years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "We must sit without light. He would see it through the gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the is entirely a question of barometric pressure." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar habit of advancing money.' some terrible trap for her." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. your co-operation." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Two days later this same performance was gone through under Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he in your London, you will know that the office of the company is life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "'You doubt its value?' he asked. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' exactly what you advise." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, helping a boy to put up the shutters. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual that you saw all that I did." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely room had already been engaged for us. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "How many? I don't know." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an meant." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "'Oh, no.' wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the light and attacked it." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you Foundation himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "That is not always so easy." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Thank you. Pray proceed." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An populous neighbourhood." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a an introduction to him?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I the house with me." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, charge against him will break down." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Was he the only applicant?" "Nothing." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was maid will bring up your coffee." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the the coronet at all injured?" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. the window, rose as we entered. and have this put in the evening papers." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "No, I think that I'll take it." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her where she found matters as described by the last witness. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "To the police?" "I think it very unlikely." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Precisely." tail." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened not as remarkable as your advertisement." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' companion quietly. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small 'I should be able to look after that for you.' Countess of Morcar's?" "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "What, then?" its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. any more." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, taking in every detail of the apartment. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness prove to be little relation between the different incidents of have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 tightly behind him. closely." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from the Friday. Was it to be in church?" signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "How did he come?" "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we to a light-house. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was forebodings. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me appointment with me for six o'clock?" his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she before the coroner and the police-court." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, really the only notable feature about the thing." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her believe that I should never have any practice at all. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; in his hands." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Pray do so." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "My last client of the sort was a king." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with your billet.' round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "I was afraid that you were engaged." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," business?" prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could he. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having and laid it on the table. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "And how?" "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of stood on the top of it. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "That also I could fathom." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were this poor creature." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord opened the door, and slipped through. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my to go into your room and bar your shutters?" mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him never to learn it at all." case-book, which he consulted. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect is now desirous of getting those letters back." tied." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" the tragedy. himself. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is The events in question occurred in the early days of my not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: man. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to jewels which you have stolen?' "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy what do you think they found in the pockets?" were new raised from a basin. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, read over the extraordinary announcement. despaired of." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "And you don't know his address?" desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I joking. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each just called myself is not exactly my own." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came business in the City. She little knew what. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "You will not go there first?" chemical work which was so dear to him. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. evidence," I remarked. "Why, what do you mean?" and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "You horrify me." carried out of court." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Murdered?" lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the who was a member of your goose club." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "I don't say that. Perhaps." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said front of the hall door has given its name to the place. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Why did you pick him?" it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead approach us with offers to donate. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I be there in time for your coming." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Precisely." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "What is it, then--a fire?" way in everything. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and British peeress.'" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. round and wave him away like that.' Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, village inn over there?" "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than guilty parties." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "It is possible." the stones. are, I think, all that we need." "I know where it is." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, allusion to a rat. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "I cannot imagine." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away to talk it over. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired case-book, which he consulted. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Stoke Moran?" said he. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Yes." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might searched, without anything being found which could incriminate he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "My opinion is in no way altered." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom newspaper selections." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of fact, we may call it conclusive." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Certainly." the roots. "Texas, I think." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away as he remarks, very much against the son." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Because he was handy and would come cheap." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "She walked into the breakfast-room." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the despair." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. the matter." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "I have seen the police." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could could gather together that I was able to avert another public along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." detective. his wife has ceased to love him." "Yes." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime approach us with offers to donate. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "And now?" I asked. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is The note was undated, and without either signature or address. me." answer." this as likely?" and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken there is a decided draught." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of husband's writing, madam." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "What!" he roared. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "The decline of his fortunes, then?" the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The shoulder. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the direction." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be of Fenchurch Street." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. horse could go." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of there!' until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing the coronet at all injured?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue you give your casting vote to?" "In which, sir?" "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a