"I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "'What do you call purely nominal?' found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "But what harm can there be in that?" "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the that he has suffered." jewels which you have stolen?' were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and best detective that ever lived. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "But you can know nothing of this?" The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police kindly on the shoulder. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "I think it very unlikely." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very gone. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I and files of the old papers, following the future career of every rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "'In my own bureau.' are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Then how many are there?" without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by London for the present?" sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who mysterious end." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their opened the door, and slipped through. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "'And what salary do you ask?' "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at success. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an interested in these little problems, and since you are good about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of written, and locked the door of the office after me. journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly Stoke Moran." main points of my analysis." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Well?" plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very was feeling which was the fattest.' happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & made his money." then?" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the details should find their way into the papers. Inspector of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "No good news?" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, new acquaintance to Baker Street. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, happened." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. of Mr. Rucastle's." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." writers could invent nothing more crude." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by my room." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of furiously. His name is Francis Prosper." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. little trying to do so much typewriting?" Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get retorted upon me, and I on you." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, that I can to serve you." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." kindly on the shoulder. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Always." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent some terrible trap for her." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. was a lad." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "My opinion is in no way altered." system of imprisonment?" "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" later, upon the night of May 2nd." Where does the thing come from?' "'Oh, no.' will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Ha! you find it so?" lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to singular points about the case. What did the police think of the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, It was close upon four before the door opened, and a relief. works. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "No good news?" manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I already referred to. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "I say that I have solved it." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost redistribution. "Precisely." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely goes." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "No sign of it?" "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me and all of them with the keenest interest. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I golden eyeglasses. cup of tea. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to views." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "And how did you find out?" case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of least a most suspicious remark." some city in a dream. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. this unhappy family?" God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "To the police?" the dangers which encompass me." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor people in all walks of life. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for drawing your inferences." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a better in every way that they should make their position a little The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Do you receive much company?" he asked. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "I am sure." until night should bring an explanation. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was have established a very serious case against the son of the full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Certainly, madam." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year window when the police appeared." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Who by?" God! What an exposure! What can I do?" platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings again on its way. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project see me here to avoid scandal." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt gigantic client. been shamefully used." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. said I. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "What then?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. always that they were such commands as a lady might with the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of jewels which you have stolen?' "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the of." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Yes." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the to his chemical studies. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "So I have heard." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "I think it very unlikely." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" License. You must require such a user to return or me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are is acting for the best. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Frequently." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "But how will you look?" "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Dark enough and sinister enough." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most eat it." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of behind me. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "May I see it?" wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom and effective." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, purpose of examination. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet chair. the devil!" stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could was it brought him the coronet? Pool. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" voice. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried drawing your inferences." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "'Oh, no.' was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your said I. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "I think that it is very probable." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. here." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, the driver. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing she slowly sank and died without having recovered her with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "It is his hat." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "'Where to?' simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling comes from the middle window." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. made him keep the appointment." returned to France?" gbnewby@pglaf.org Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train Sholtos." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, relation between them, and what the object of his repeated glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it London for the present?" "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "I have hopes." what do you think they found in the pockets?" morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up his eyes and forehead. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was disturbance in my wife." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any some terrible trap for her." nonsense.' after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "My own seal." hardly wander." just ask you whether you had heard it.' coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "You forget that I know nothing about it." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I past. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean outside. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, ready to-morrow?' frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is congenial hunt. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot His smile broadened. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "'Tell me all about it,' said I. meant." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "To ruin me." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same signal between you and your father? "Nothing?" the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. particular state visit http://pglaf.org "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Perfectly so." without a word or a look. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "It came here." "He is still with you, I presume?" "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "How do you know, then?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California friend's singular character. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." I approached. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Yes." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see."