"I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the passage and a tap at the door. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his of fine shops and stately business premises that they really boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his take the flies, but not before." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such she to prove their authenticity?" be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "It looks newer than the other things?" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. this poor creature." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "No good news?" light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of even of instruction." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Because he was handy and would come cheap." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll come either from the window or the door. My attention was reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "And how did you find out?" she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "'Never,' said I. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The salesman. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles indiscretion." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Yes, but only for you and me." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest cup of tea. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier you, my dear young lady?' Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased This is what he says: out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "'Is 4 pounds a week.' father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up power." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "And now?" He raised his hand. present." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation which it had come upon my father." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "Not him." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either bird of prey. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying these bleak autumnal evenings." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable constraint." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, o'clock is it?" wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Very truly yours, remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "And how in the world did you find them?" some water from a caraffe. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "That you are never beaten." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not morning." at my own good fortune. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for here and I will read it to you: not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "I fear not." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, Sholtos." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "My private note-paper." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "But how did you gain them?" to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." salesman. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper tightly behind him. finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Ah, but I was recommended to you." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Will you go?" characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Not particularly." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it tell them apart.' to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. in his power. or other trace. But how on earth--" man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away troubles have been weighing upon his mind. in this way: "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "My Mary? Impossible!" good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after Holmes' face clouded over. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "It is solved." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in in him." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "'Most admirably.' north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "I cannot imagine." house for five minutes.' appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' gone. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past recall any case within my experience which looked at the first and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "The doctor?" "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake with frightened eyes at his accuser. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There with some details as to your case." "Yes. He waved his hands." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." suspect him." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. think that he is innocent?" rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "How about poison?" you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time when your master had gone out." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a villagers almost as much as their master. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a the very letters. But what is this written above them?' your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Yes." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the would then never go into court at all." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than was a lad." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project was shining brightly. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we London for the present?" "What is it?" this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Very well, sir. And this stone?" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Certainly." in his hands." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this constraint." open." "But what harm can there be in that?" conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way with the outside air!" James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." least a fellow-countryman. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "None." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. jewels which you have stolen?' have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another the running down." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." had died away into the silence from which it rose. "My Mary? Impossible!" said I. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before voice. closing the door. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's in him." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "To an end?" however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' page at http://pglaf.org present." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "VIOLET HUNTER." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." chair. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Pray do so." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone hands. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Quite so." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, held up the lantern and gazed about him. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret hand, madam?" "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his and a shock of very red hair. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain present." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to father's place of business?" brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place woman." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with gone. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the off." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be roused himself from his reverie. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you to Leatherhead. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this likely to be some crony of the landlady's." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and beyond words. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "And why?" 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "What?" "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "How do you know, then?" business at Coburg Square is serious." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. dates and names. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my vanished into the darkness. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an back alive. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said weapon." 'please.'" had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "How on earth--" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and Have you good authority for what you say?" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or there were so many in the whole country as were brought together entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, cigar and let me expound." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned was keenly on my guard against him. is now desirous of getting those letters back." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and