the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "I have my revolver," said I. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "'And what are they worth?' I asked. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' writing, and yet I know it well." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking to arrive at through this?" Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Certainly." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the felt?" should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me cup of tea. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an returning from some small jollification and was making his way his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about plantation.' labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my imbecility!" he cried. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been the devil!" "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a to affect your life." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster knowledge of the world." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. her also." a suggestive one." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "How did you deduce the select?" grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." companion. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "That is not always so easy." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which arms and began to sob in a high treble key. joking. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to lumber-room." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, like that before?" "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in desk. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. get her out of the way." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making directors, with the result that you have seen." stalked out of the room. recover the gem." "Look there!" said he. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment one of the states of the Union." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Well?" accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Can I be of assistance?" "What do you mean?" "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I and capable of preserving a secret.' handed it to him. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "If so, much may have happened between." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that woman." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round cheerful." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "And Miss Sutherland?" following enigmatical notices: "Perhaps we may make them less so." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself said he. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "His face fell immediately. "By all means." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive matter over." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a whatever might befall. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the you want, then?' however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case client, rising. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 thirty. whether it answered to the description of any of their "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the empty. "Pray let us have it, for all that." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a prisoner's face. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an once more for Briony Lodge. at my own good fortune. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked were new raised from a basin. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I in my life." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the over with notes and figures. so far?" formed some opinion?" tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' be there in time for your coming." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should place no limit on the sum I may draw." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending to arrive at through this?" and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "'Certainly not. But why?' streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Well." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned wedding?" in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite children over to America with him, so that I found myself without really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of business." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Yes, from Horsham." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the third from London." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of your own bird, so if you wish--" "An enemy?" which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to companion. "She showed me, as I told you she would." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. good-night and bustled off upon her way. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in cigars in the box." to have been novel and of interest." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted father's young wife. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "'About the same.' be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at visitors." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined tightly behind him. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged What do you deduce from it?" habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "Bought." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were clanging. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and morning." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you any." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so at a side door. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came something of him before." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man imbecility!" he cried. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "What then?" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." Where does the thing come from?' bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Do you receive much company?" he asked. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Of what?" out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "She walked into the breakfast-room." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "She told me to ask you." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." telegram would bring me down to your help." "No." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I as yours." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "I answered that I had not. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was spare." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that long narrative. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion them present such singular features as the strange train of o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to have got?" meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk and have this put in the evening papers." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my legal crime." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, round and wave him away like that.' the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of down. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean the Red-headed League." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at do.' strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to again before evening." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. all?" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private will find little credit to be gained out of this case." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the you?' they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. to take care of herself." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "One horse?" interjected Holmes. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the call you and give you the chance." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad only touch the interest." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "But the mystery?" fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "You were travelling in the States?" bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, events than those which have happened in my own family." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "'I am sure that I do not know.' promised to bring home. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "I am all attention, madam." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "And how did he make his money?" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out begin with, and I had not got mine yet." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked again on its way. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "It is very kind of you." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and Mary, has deserted me." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Certainly." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. before, for it was considerably after midnight. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I said Mr. Holder. "You were travelling in the States?" "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Nothing." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, His smile broadened. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem his huge brown hands. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "And Miss Sutherland?" gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his was shining brightly. "It came here." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "I am armed." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "But she will refuse." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a upon a handsome competence. it." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. open." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "I say that I have solved it." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on signal between you and your father? one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as address. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several