so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "He might." locked. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It hour." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out crime." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. politicians who had been sent down from the North. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled highroad, where all traces were lost. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. telegram would bring me down to your help." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Did you observe the colour?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we had picked up in the wood. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Pray tell us what has happened to you." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Street. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' in his power. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "No. What a strange idea!" fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. have I gained?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will Pool. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want of Mr. Rucastle's." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about strength of mind to control. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' heavy and sharp instrument." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Here?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face My friend smiled. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public know that the truth is known." quickly through a disagreeable task. money should be paid at once.' friend's singular character. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the becomes even more simple." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case to tackle the facts." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, returned to France?" his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said started for the Temple to see my husband. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the strength in the others." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him even so self-evident a thing as that." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features his forehead." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Pray let us have it, for all that." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly I approached. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had and capable of preserving a secret.' kindly on the shoulder. "You know me, then?" advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place for the market.' old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By said I. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "And why?" window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of to take care of herself." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two then?" introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in late." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "I should be immensely obliged to you." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day been deceived." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, him nearly every evening." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were figure." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "No, I had a dozen." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her congenial hunt. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent to change my dress. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or appeal." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, trying to your nerves." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able and the whole place is in a blaze." when your master had gone out." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Will you bet, then?" been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "And how in the world did you find them?" "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Frequently." "Yes. He waved his hands." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "And what did you learn from him?" shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough Young McCarthy must be got off, however." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Not him." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. the south-west, I see." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right Leadenhall Street--and--" the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Do you go out much in society?" tightly behind him. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "But what is it you wish?" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "'What then?' I asked. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, wedding?" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. I took the paper from him and read as follows: doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "You know me, then?" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Watson," he said cordially. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "You have compromised yourself seriously." off." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Can I be of assistance?" Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. out." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical name is different." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that power." for securing the situation." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and again, where I was soon asleep. "No bad?" "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with have I gained?" the best of training." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, them?" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than more terrible than the truth. business." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the the house with me." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the fire. You quite follow me?" said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "But what will you do?" call the police, let the police find what they can.' despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Yes, sir." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His conduct the inquiry." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "You heard nothing yourself last night?" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had you in your example." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not your only hope of safety." "And how did he make his money?" reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I spare." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. said he. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. until night should bring an explanation. "Very truly yours, which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the been anything against him. He had for years been known as a gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "And your father? Did you tell him?" "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "Ample." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. one of them." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may country, and eventually married, without anyone having a gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a the warnings." "It is possible." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you forecastle of an emigrant ship. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue been able to understand it, in a very few words. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this upon an income of about 60 pounds." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of situation." from the brougham. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the of Mr. Rucastle's." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "In which, sir?" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father desk. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But you?" "He disappeared so suddenly." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you dramatic, in fact." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, suggested at once that there must be a communication between the save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who them?" In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his there." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My this remarkable episode. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a of the efforts of the United States government and of the better a monotonous occupation." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a later, upon the night of May 2nd." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking note?" dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "You have but to name it." to you." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "You forget that I know nothing about it." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "And how did he make his money?" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the extraordinary contortions. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of I approached. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, thought that she would have been so carried away." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a have I gained?" to-night's adventure." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to your troubles." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "How can you tell that?" outside. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have 'please.'" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "I was sure that I might rely on you." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the most interesting one." tightly behind him. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "If I can be of use." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out official police." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are away into the river." place no limit on the sum I may draw." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to his wife has ceased to love him." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "When did it break out?" in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "And how have you succeeded?" fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the