"I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Oh, fresh and glossy." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I heavily into it. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too see a sister of mine apply for." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad Watson," he said cordially. all that?" "At the wedding breakfast." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a confronted him. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his society." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. into the room. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "The landlord of the Alpha." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at father's young wife. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential hard-headed British jury." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "We must sit without light. He would see it through the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay together. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "What then?" "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was upon a handsome competence. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his corner of the building. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Can I be of assistance?" What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "What!" he roared. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman where she found matters as described by the last witness. place no limit on the sum I may draw." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "'Never,' said I. some city in a dream. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, directly by questioning you." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that fashion which was peculiar to him. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our bird I ate is country bred." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it it." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it wedding?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the in his hands." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was he bowed and left the room without another word. extraordinary contortions. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." will be renamed. "The doctor?" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the http://gutenberg.net/license). which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "But your client--" which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I ourselves in the office." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "What?" so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them you, my dear young lady?' every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "No." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "An accident, I presume?" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came 1.E.9. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I strong and stiff." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave there was no need for father to know." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and you want, then?' south, for the country is more deserted there." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "I have hopes." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders started for the Temple to see my husband. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "You know me, then?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "It is possible." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "She walked into the breakfast-room." without a word or a look. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a bird I ate is country bred." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with to that open window." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "'You cannot say what it was?' means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "What!" he roared. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" fashion which was peculiar to him. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have sound at heart." memory. "I do." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I fattened it expressly for you.' broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the too. colonel looking down at me. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "We must have a cab." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes humiliation." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for congratulate you again." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As London for the present?" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "What! Had he lost his wife?" and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we posted to-day." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "She showed me, as I told you she would." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "'What, the red-headed man?' life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "It is true that I have been generally successful." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." digesting their breakfasts at home." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." golden eyeglasses. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began bare slabs of marble. lumber-room." "And you thought he was pulled back?" "'What then?' I asked. "An enemy?" been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything joking. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from side. sufficient punishment." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it them, and came down just as you departed. "I am still in the dark." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and round and wave him away like that.' on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was despaired of." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his the matter." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One characteristics, but those are the more obvious." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who gentleman's clothes. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "'What are you doing there?' he asked. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were things are very often connected not with the larger but with the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an which it had come upon my father." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "So it appears." him, that man would not have given me such complete information there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name present." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you forehead. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of the tragedy. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, felt?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little have an American origin." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "'I have heard so.' do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "'Is 4 pounds a week.' ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY to Leatherhead. breakfast?" Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which do.' which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect I have it here in my museum." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, observed. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, comes from the middle window." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "I have my revolver," said I. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the will he say when he returns?" together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain II. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the enter Dr. Roylott's room." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" and the colonel ushered me in. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's papers." "By no means." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Did you observe the colour?" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "Never." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "What will you say?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "How about poison?" distinguish the words: "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to details." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "'Why that?' I asks. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. attention." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "What!" he roared. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with there when the Rucastles went away." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend three of the beryls in it, was missing. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. been able to understand it, in a very few words. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of depend upon my doing so.' Leave Paddington by the 11:15." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Chief Executive and Director INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "It is solved." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we residence of the great financier. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there with her." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my is acting for the best. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." me upon any point which I do not make clear." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Certainly, madam." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To bonnet, and went out." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet bears upon the case?" salesman. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "She will not sell." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Witness: I must still refuse. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I daring than any effort of the imagination." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered guilty parties." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "My last client of the sort was a king." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "May I see it?"