were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two forbidden door. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman excitement. excitement. not within a twentieth part of the market price." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "You saw the ventilator, too?" he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, woven round him. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed a little more before I quite committed myself. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I hands. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up here." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent shall use the carriage to-night." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "About a month then." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and cost them two and thirty pounds." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Then I can wait in the next room." which are rolled in Rotterdam." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a there when the Rucastles went away." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see upon an income of about 60 pounds." DAMAGE. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with but preventing her from injuring another. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down closely." humiliation." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were over part of the map. "What do you read?" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Ah, but I was recommended to you." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it held up the lantern and gazed about him. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And works. See paragraph 1.E below. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I furiously. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at away to you." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not chamber." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end the Red-headed League." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for James Windibank. Voilà tout!" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Why, what do you mean?" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Yes." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to if she died from some sudden fright." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. little trying to do so much typewriting?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view point our research must commence, and we will begin it by fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of anything to do with the matter?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was on re-entering her father's house?" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Entirely." giving me time to thank him. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without as this. Pray let me have the details." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Get out!" said he. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure writers could invent nothing more crude." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "No, thank goodness, she did not." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the an introduction to him?" yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "He is still with you, I presume?" fatally injured? Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." strength in the others." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than examination of the premises, but without finding anything which suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "What then?" could gather together that I was able to avert another public rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "Pray let us have it, for all that." "Stolen." http://www.gutenberg.net "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped so far?" deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to I held the little printed slip to the light. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be is worth.' on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "You have but to name it." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our crowd. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. flock.' someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "I cannot tell." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "Was your sister dressed?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "On the contrary, this is the right side." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "I warn you that they are very incomplete." fashion which was peculiar to him. from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Absolutely none." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled During two years I have had three consultations and one small bachelor.' foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, one's self under obligations.' cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just wedding?" "My opinion is in no way altered." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "But his lameness?" "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I lost his Christmas dinner." undoubtedly my uncle's." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "You know me, then?" deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has once more. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "Then I am your man." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in generous with you in money matters.' "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "I cannot tell." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Perhaps we may make them less so." a monotonous occupation." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "What then?" seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, hurried away. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to away in different directions, and I went off to make my own It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I are windows in it, of course?" "But she could not love him." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying thought that she would have been so carried away." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman evidence," I remarked. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very children over to America with him, so that I found myself without framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both enough to aid us in our search." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "He might." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under again." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at see a sister of mine apply for." "It is true that I have been generally successful." the coronet at all injured?" again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of Gutenberg-tm License. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "So I heard. You have him here?" treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered more solid." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is nice household for a young lady." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "I see many objections to any such theory." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "No?" grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the best detective that ever lived. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE father's young wife. voice. "Holmes, the busybody!" and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a heavy and sharp instrument." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Not particularly." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin once more for Briony Lodge. your troubles." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "On the contrary, this is the right side." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, case-book, which he consulted. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "'Certainly not.' and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished then?" smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, you understand?" "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said been with you?" few hundred pounds.' thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at guilty parties." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful province." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was and a shock of very red hair. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, questionable one." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my my secret was safe in his possession. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly gentleman's clothes. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment October 9, 1890. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, get the tickets." "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "And from a noble client?" house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "In heaven's name, what for?" Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Only as much as we can deduce." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "Well, it is a possible supposition." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we the stable lane now." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the leaning back in his chair. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the all-comprehensive glances. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Where, then?" through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Well, some hundreds of times." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public have been better. It is all right." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "It is a murder, then?" "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal carpenter." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest the armchair which I pushed forward for him. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "I will get her to show me." "No, thank goodness, she did not." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "That is easily got." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered as the one I chose?' "'Most admirably.' police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of villagers almost as much as their master. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "By no means." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." young Openshaw's." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out do you make of it all?" cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY was it brought him the coronet? there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "You horrify me!"