"'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way open." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free yards of it?' eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. in this way: next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, not fit the lock." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge bedroom door." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and conversation I have gathered that they have been married about charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United peculiar to him. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "He said that you could solve anything." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind which was all perfectly true. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Awake, Watson?" he asked. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "But you would not advise me to refuse?" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. mystery!" quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "But his left-handedness." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are trifles." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his became a certainty. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and yourselves in at night?" simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: house for five minutes.' had no one to advise her at such a crisis." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The threw himself down with his face to the pillow. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my use an arc-and-compass breastpin." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his place of silver." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he south, for the country is more deserted there." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four me." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time villagers almost as much as their master. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ assist you in forming an opinion." made him keep the appointment." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a cause to be." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were minor matters until to-morrow." she used." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under for the market.' education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "Oh, the cause is excellent!" accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any the so-precious time, but come!' iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Yes, that is the Crown." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and had a long day." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down companion imperturbably. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the lost his Christmas dinner." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be open." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said passage and a tap at the door. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "I know where it is." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the our word." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the hour." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and bare slabs of marble. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, http://www.gutenberg.net he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate too. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." will not take me long to tell. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I even of instruction." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our business in the City. She little knew what. said he at last. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "The murder was done with it." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem been lifted and conveyed somewhere." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss and effective." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Yes." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man whereabouts. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "And you don't know his address?" corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my have an American origin." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated nonsense.' "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate I was concerned in it." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so about here speaks of his kindness to him." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. bears upon the case?" could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "But I am all in the dark." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not to surprise her." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and in your London, you will know that the office of the company is ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. his forehead." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert Arthur Conan Doyle roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, shall not find me ungrateful." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and results." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. you give your casting vote to?" the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the cigars in the box." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless all that?" present." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so You want to know what became of those geese?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. than to us. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it help us in this matter." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is evidence," I remarked. "An accident, I presume?" Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "It must be recovered." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' salesman. "Perhaps we may make them less so." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a all-comprehensive glances. one's self under obligations.' he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was outside." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Yes." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "I was certainly surprised to find you there." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. narrative." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "You did not overhear what they said?" to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle guilty parties." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, amused." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking of the vacancies.' The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "And who is her maid?" appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a the child." "Perfectly so." the Red-headed League." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Yes. He waved his hands." "How are you getting on?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the humiliation." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of be. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Were they all fastened this morning?" future lives." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and to-night?" I asked. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Certainly, madam." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door with you alone." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon opened a pocket-book and took out a note. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case of fine shops and stately business premises that they really disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I or other trace. But how on earth--" "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "And what did you learn from him?" appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same careless servant girl?" is worth.' her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had said I. and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements child?' certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you public press." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "No more words. Get out!" "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a name is different." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "Then I shall certainly come." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate the room while you explain this matter?" glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no over here." whereabouts. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between is a common subject for conversation. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that said he. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards do you make of it all?" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "'What then?' I asked. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you she slowly sank and died without having recovered her Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Why, what do you mean?" "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his copied or distributed: keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "But your client--" of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when straighten it?" have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Upon what point?" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "Pray do so." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over this poor creature." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure writers could invent nothing more crude." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of