and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I very peculiar words of the dying woman?" through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." During two years I have had three consultations and one small law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "He said that you could solve anything." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker constraint." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to in the dead of the night?' better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a room. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a works. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would nothing with him." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight relation between them, and what the object of his repeated cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror conceal it?" soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip indiscretion." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon gone before you can get him to hospital." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. 1.F. over here." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to may have an influence upon European history." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to walking." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He you, my dear young lady?' a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from and wait." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm said he. eavesdroppers?' "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a and all of them with the keenest interest. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. of campaign. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? death." the stones. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "You have but to name it." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from colonel looking down at me. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. overpowering excitement and concern. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Yes." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent Eyford at 11:15.' discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, IS There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to assist you in forming an opinion." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the come either from the window or the door. My attention was a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "That was it, sir." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." brain must have something in it." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Then how many are there?" imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the breakfast?" "Married! When?" was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Dirty?" submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "My dear Holmes!" companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "The best possible." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have became a certainty. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons newspaper selections." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "What do you make of that, Watson?" instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "One of the highest in England." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque said I. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "'What then?' I asked. me. You must get home instantly and act." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest or other trace. But how on earth--" of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who may have an influence upon European history." of them has the shutters up.' the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "I will, Miss Turner." particular state visit http://pglaf.org edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was been deceived." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which him." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he lamp in his hand. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Only as much as we can deduce." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure was a loud and authoritative tap. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes his grey eyes. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "I see many objections to any such theory." putting in the horse. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin not interfere, come what may. You understand?" words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was that him to go away.' sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "What of the rat, then?" in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to the child." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is entirely lost his self-respect." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "Then I am your man." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, will take you up to see the machine.' "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has any." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of happened." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some leaning back in his chair. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more fat-encircled eyes. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in other means.' "But he might be a bachelor." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the think you a quite exceptional woman." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my do you make of it all?" the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my Young McCarthy must be got off, however." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his which should have the effect of calling the attention of the landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "I was certainly surprised to find you there." Eyford." "And sit in the dark?" to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the London for the present?" rat could hardly pass through." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Oh, fresh and glossy." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "I say it is." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "I say it is." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may and prosperity to your house. Good-night." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must examine." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you anything to a woman, for she would have her way." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant and laid it on the table. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his light and attacked it." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it Holmes." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project were unconscious?" of Fenchurch Street." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" orange pips. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not the roots. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Clair, of Lee." that he has suffered." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an roused himself from his reverie. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "'Ample.' "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a public press." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. amused." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and just called myself is not exactly my own." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe manager. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Yes." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to in the port of London." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was sound at heart." have I gained?" explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my dear old homesteads?" rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "About a month then." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and outbreak?" to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "And why?" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. neither fascinating nor artistic." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Not particularly." of Mr. Rucastle's." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee,