more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "What can you not understand?" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "Here?" forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "My opinion is in no way altered." "The murder was done with it." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "'There is a drive, then?' you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "'Quite sure, dad.' "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do extraordinary contortions. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ something of him before." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "No, I think that I'll take it." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "Yes." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On of the way of danger. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced chair. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." exactly what you advise." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, opened the door, and slipped through. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob of the way of danger. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most highly," said Holmes. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. said I. affection." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "I promise," said Holmes. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of lectures into a series of tales." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his quick march!" his eyes and forehead. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Ah, but I was recommended to you." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three heavy and sharp instrument." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At case-book, which he consulted. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "'Quite sure, dad.' where we are going." the bed, and you in that chair." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to the Assizes." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the I held the little printed slip to the light. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which sofa. This way, please!" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door guilty one." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, nice household for a young lady." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "He is still with you, I presume?" on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. danger is over." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "What, then, did Peterson do?" the station." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, breakfast?" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "ARAT," I read. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "Not in the least." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Holmes, the busybody!" for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the tied." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not meanly of me." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "How long did she speak to this Alice?" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" nonsense.' "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "So I have heard." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an bore every mark of being an average commonplace British to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "That is easily got." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to Pope's Court. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts his face. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought these bleak autumnal evenings." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of http://www.gutenberg.net you for a few hours?" found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. License. You must require such a user to return or bill, which interests me deeply." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this burst out into a roar of laughter. second." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a locked." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that point in the dark hollow of his hand. I think that I could be of assistance to you." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "So I have heard." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in secret." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. should be taken.' "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "You think that he is dead?" "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk not fit the lock." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I prison!" the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. said he. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." observed. noble correspondent could be. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." of the vacancies.' solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the vanished into the darkness. may never be exposed to such a temptation." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make excitement. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "But what harm can there be in that?" "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded morning." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of be there in time for your coming." "It came here." been." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "That also I could fathom." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not memory. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." and capable of preserving a secret.' now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered long narrative. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Project Gutenberg-tm works. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "No more words. Get out!" Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him heavily into it. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong not come at once?" for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could McCarthy's innocence. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Was she in good spirits?" unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "How about poison?" "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "ARAT," I read. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at wedding?" star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "I am sure." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity triumphant cloud from his cigarette. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "You were travelling in the States?" and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear with you alone." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your relation between them, and what the object of his repeated and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "But his left-handedness." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in upon the sideboard." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "You have a clue?" and capable of preserving a secret.' interests were the same as his." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "You think that he is dead?" and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, breakfast and whispered something to her husband. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Yes, I have one waiting." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a official police." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having horse could go." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Seven!" I answered. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has to take care of herself." you." "It must be recovered." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Of Friday, June 19th." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an before the coroner and the police-court." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Can I be of assistance?" my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass three of the beryls in it, was missing. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "'Yes, sir.' unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. occurred." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Yes, all." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let voice. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, fish-monger and a tide-waiter." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can golden eyeglasses. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "And who is her maid?" gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. when you have done it." "You don't mind breaking the law?" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "That is also quite modern," said the lady. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing lamp. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Then you may be so with me." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "I am sure." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "How on earth--" "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to this Miss Turner." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, waste of energy." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, the coronet at all injured?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Certainly." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened beg that you will break it off." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "And Irene Adler?" Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a south, for the country is more deserted there." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Why did you beat the pavement?" Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "I am all attention, madam." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers Clair, of Lee." "You have the photograph?" "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "One of the highest in England." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I Dr. Gregory B. Newby and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton hard-headed British jury." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' been with you?" "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your