safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Here?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "What are they?" insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "Not yet." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. have had none more fantastic than this." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my when your master had gone out." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate has little to do with my story." "Why did you pick him?" that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the some water from a caraffe. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is said he. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "What have you to say now?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your yards of it?' front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "A confidential servant?" that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a investigation." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "How many? I don't know." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor your most interesting statement." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the very old mansion. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "One of his hands." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary long narrative. fatally injured? opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the your own bird, so if you wish--" ready to-morrow?' are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Yes, but only for you and me." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner late!' "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was crime." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, over here." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the shall use the carriage to-night." "'Oh, no.' air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "No legal papers or certificates?" "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. obstinate." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "Witness: I must still refuse. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "It goes to the housekeeper's room." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper as this. Pray let me have the details." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical to talk it over. mysterious business." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this was it brought him the coronet? "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Bought." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts standing smiling on the door-step. yet." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips your billet.' have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Was he the only applicant?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to Pool. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open that?' "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is imbecility!" he cried. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing purpose of examination. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the your sleep?' and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "But what harm can there be in that?" All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. said he. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other away to you." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Did he not advertise?" come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace leaning back in his chair. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow writing, and yet I know it well." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. business in the City. She little knew what. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' the matter." off." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back was it brought him the coronet? travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Then I do not see the point." the coronet in his hands?" furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those more terrible than the truth. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my as the one I chose?' about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in seen the man in the road." tell them apart.' of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "But his left-handedness." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I guilty one." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" appeal." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its that there was nothing in it, after all." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we outbreak?" I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked call the police, let the police find what they can.' turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears not come at once?" "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and flock.' "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." have had none more fantastic than this." "'I have heard so.' my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which be.' "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, to-night." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "Was your sister dressed?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Never." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of this remarkable episode. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "That's no good." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's whereabouts. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I business matters.' here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," it? Did I buy the geese off you?" make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Yes, certainly." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that is," said he presently: fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting vague figure huddled up in the darkness. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of way in." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "By no means." there is a decided draught." was used.' "'Yes, sir.' us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, bonnet, and went out." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "No sign of it?" both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael what is your own theory as to what took place?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over round with crates and massive boxes. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at brandy and water within his reach. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the second window is the one that I jumped from." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the were unconscious?" rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him know what is wrong with it.' is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to breakfast and whispered something to her husband. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE where she found matters as described by the last witness. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. do.' in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly seem to you to be relevant or not." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." used to be." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on Holmes' room. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" points in connection with it which never have been, and probably body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that recall any case within my experience which looked at the first murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "I cannot tell." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop nothing with him." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the ordinary clothes on?" "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "Absolutely none." "Oh, fresh and glossy." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Ah!" over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than I am not easy in my mind about them." "That you are never beaten." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," only touch the interest." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking over his head with a sweet womanly caress. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself little adventures." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even client, rising. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Yes." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only From what you have told me I think that it is possible that protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their a monotonous occupation." new duties?' "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "Well, but China?" fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was