served to weaken the effect. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little directors, with the result that you have seen." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little of the one which your family is now devouring." tell me that you intended to go into harness." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall served to weaken the effect. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." suspect him." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the outside." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Precisely." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "You think that he is dead?" I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such was feeling which was the fattest.' and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "'Yes, sir.' my former friend and companion. "'As governess?' "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he business in the City. She little knew what. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk of." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own Street. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw formed some opinion?" "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of Pope's Court, Fleet Street." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? door?" light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, not come at once?" you do it in twenty minutes!' deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, mystery!" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "I cannot think." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "He said too much." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was green of the new foliage. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "None." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in grasp, he hurried from the room. "Here?" Holmes rather sternly. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he orange pips. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Your sister is dead, then?" "We must sit without light. He would see it through the I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out union?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' redistribution. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded shall use the carriage to-night." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined fattened it expressly for you.' was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Your French gold?" he. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative upon the shelf for the interim." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a cup of tea. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were stammered. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are wanted for ourselves." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" You can understand that this register and diary may implicate so.' the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, indeed happy." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the him to be an active member of the medical profession." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your spare." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare I held the little printed slip to the light. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend and no precautions can guard against." I am not easy in my mind about them." so far?" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main it means?" "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "And help." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then the house with me." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing since then to throw any light upon what became of him." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to 11:15.' envelope. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "You did not overhear what they said?" "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "What then?" "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with written. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." system of imprisonment?" extraordinary contortions. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Yes, certainly." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side call you and give you the chance." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a there." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand in this note: "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" call you and give you the chance." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his not within a twentieth part of the market price." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made nothing of it?" never to learn it at all." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. companion. "10th. John Swain cleared. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back villagers almost as much as their master. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared what is your own theory as to what took place?" "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. husband's writing, madam." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "How did you trace it, then?" take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "At the wedding breakfast." Where does the thing come from?' snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been think that he is innocent?" strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle works. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet said Mr. Holder. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon round and wave him away like that.' compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk that, and I came down." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "Yes." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say which was all perfectly true. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Seven!" I answered. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for of the way of danger. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "And your mother is alive?" and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. my secret was safe in his possession. upon the sideboard." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "I should like to see him very much." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other crime. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "This photograph!" same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow prison!" rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a had picked up in the wood. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "It surprised me." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The soul! here is her carriage at the door." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Witness: I must still refuse. with frightened eyes at his accuser. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He miles off. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only not interfere, come what may. You understand?" anything to a woman, for she would have her way." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a it." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside to a more successful conclusion." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "But how did you gain them?" there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "'Where could I find him?' companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right My friend smiled. o'clock is it?" old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "You think that he is dead?" "An enemy?" cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you said he. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and crackling voice. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed mysterious end." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very than to us. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our guilty one." later, upon the night of May 2nd." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Murdered?" Holmes' thin, eager face. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "To the police?" the driver. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." into the bag, and made for the door. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a of receipt of the work. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "That is unusual in a young girl." "That is unusual in a young girl." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who and laid it on the table. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." straightened it out again. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of words came to my lips. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' vanished into the darkness. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a whole matter to your consideration." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and to affect your life." "What of the rat, then?" works. See paragraph 1.E below. here and I will read it to you: he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Why serious?" "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker manager. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "And who is her maid?" The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire had formerly been in part my own. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "I cannot imagine."