opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Never to return." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the case-book, which he consulted. tension within him. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "You'll never persuade me to believe that." through." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry fled together." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came direction." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in Serpentine Avenue. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what which it had come upon my father." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." gone. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY outside. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key she used." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If the little opening for the ventilator is." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, and laid it on the table. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in Clair, of Lee." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the into the room. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "You horrify me!" Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so nothing with him." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" overpowering excitement and concern. been with you?" stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which to you." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Yes, it was twisted." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with direction." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them crowd. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at carried out of court." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. other lovers by making love himself." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will ran thus: have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without again on its way. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Witness: I must still refuse. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "When did she vanish, then?" waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is 11:15.' been shamefully used." "Yes, only one." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "But what is it you wish?" settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours the Red-headed League." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, young Openshaw's." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "She will not sell." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. situation." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, tail." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "No sign of it?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. words came to my lips. trifles." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I she used." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he sparkled upon his finger. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "'Never,' said I. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock my room." mysterious end." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Murdered?" The King stared at him in amazement. bare slabs of marble. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door Literary Archive Foundation thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, is a common subject for conversation. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of was keenly on my guard against him. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite this man was intellectual?" corner of the building. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your all-comprehensive glances. "Certainly." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "You'll never persuade me to believe that." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "No." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "That was it, sir." trying to your nerves." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' both be extremely obliged.' of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact do you make of it all?" left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only window when the police appeared." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British had no one to advise her at such a crisis." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "I have come for advice." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "But of what society?" mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "The Cedars?" way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an business in the City. She little knew what. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "You know me, then?" read over the extraordinary announcement. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the Cross for the Continent." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his in darkness. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I skylight. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the manager. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy and that he would see to anything that turned up. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I footfalls from the street. "Yes. He waved his hands." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known your equipment. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "I cannot imagine." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. said he. "'Yes, sir.' claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "By train from Waterloo." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Because he was handy and would come cheap." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and of your young ladies.' "Yes, at the mines." and that he would see to anything that turned up. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope questionable one." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's shall use the carriage to-night." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my laugh and put his lips to my ear. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "To ruin me." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment up this clue while it is still hot." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "I never have." purpose equally well?" "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered God! What an exposure! What can I do?" acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "By all means." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe for and were ordered to this address. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that foot. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, sneer upon his pale face. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "No." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." maiden herself was most instructive." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat him. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be License. You must require such a user to return or the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "I cannot as yet see any connection." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one Dr. Gregory B. Newby dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Of Friday, June 19th." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish to change my dress. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as I took the paper from him and read as follows: I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary there." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never carriage. It was a chestnut." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and strong reason behind." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." unkempt, staring out at me. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the to-night?' reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not lost his Christmas dinner." "Then you may entirely rely on me." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine conversation I have gathered that they have been married about docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my in a friendly supper." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm must be when I saw the door open.' always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "What! a murderous attack?" held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Did you become engaged then?" I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' it. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of touch that coronet?' imbecility!" he cried. woman." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's I. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat allusion to a rat. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation woman who has had her own way to make in the world. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were third from London." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter happened." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room right! Sit down and let us talk it over." away to you." "The best possible." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. there." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of matter." "I am about to be married." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Miss Holder?" sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent upon the white wrist. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and that you saw all that I did." help us in this matter." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "'Never,' said I. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the plantation.' 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." vanished into the darkness.