turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Where is it, then?" "To the police?" went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress My friend smiled. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Where to?" least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "But his lameness?" the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. miles off. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the lids now and glanced across at his visitor. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of purpose of examination. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to indiscretion." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence noise which awoke you from your sleep?" I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "By train from Waterloo." the King without delay." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his once more to my work. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat dates and names. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Well, but China?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, entirely devoid of interest." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was photograph?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and gentleman's clothes. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Ten will be early enough." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and silent! Oh, he will be silent!' upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, key of the affair now." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. bird I ate is country bred." hardly wander." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass Holmes' thin, eager face. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are think you a quite exceptional woman." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will acquaintance?" as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "'What do you call purely nominal?' remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "Yes, it would be as well." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my one's self under obligations.' The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down other lovers by making love himself." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "'In my own bureau.' I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do felt the room to be a little close.' Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "On Monday." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest upon the sideboard." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady lectures into a series of tales." "Pray do so." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in is so. I know all about McCarthy." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking indiscretion." you in yours." shoulder. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar daring than any effort of the imagination." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "What steps will you take?" I asked. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the be. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "I say that I have solved it." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker keep the flames under. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Never." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I weigh very heavily upon my conscience." been able to understand it, in a very few words. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Then you may entirely rely on me." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "I am armed." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, flock.' "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was to some other building. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord tassel actually lying upon the pillow. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for his face which made him a very different person to the round, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and Have you good authority for what you say?" the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his was used.' to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of him to go away.' "He is dead," cried several voices. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "I have my revolver," said I. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence at once, for I have only half an hour." business in the City. She little knew what. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing outside. "What, then, did Peterson do?" and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Two days later this same performance was gone through under leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "And how did you find out?" I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through your most interesting statement." the inquest, and which are worth considering." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came carried out of court." of the one which your family is now devouring." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "And how did he make his money?" of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "That you are never beaten." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. come either from the window or the door. My attention was relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is and the church but not where the lady lived." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were to surprise her." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. have not had my rubber." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "'Never,' said I. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "None." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he gone. "If so, much may have happened between." of this gang." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. people in all walks of life. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and was used.' had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "'Yes.' side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream hurried away. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are strength in the others." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us I nodded again. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the absorbing." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow acted in my house last night?" Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. skylight. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "He disappeared so suddenly." "'Never.' my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock During two years I have had three consultations and one small age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the fashion which was peculiar to him. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." been able to understand it, in a very few words. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "And how have you succeeded?" Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, point in the dark hollow of his hand. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Yes, from Horsham." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "And why?" I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us me upon any point which I do not make clear." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the ago." one which it was hard to resist. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for views." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of friends, not even his own brother. he. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit more terrible than the truth. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the you want, then?' "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard direction." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the pierced for earrings?" the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "But you would not advise me to refuse?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As may have an influence upon European history." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. or other trace. But how on earth--" inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere round with crates and massive boxes. "None." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, think, you have already met." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you me what he had done with the three missing stones. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle like gravel from a pit.' "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any business matters.' wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" think that he is innocent?" We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton astonishment. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "It may not come to that," said Holmes. quite distinctive." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it round and wave him away like that.' abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the tell him that I know him to be innocent." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no chill to my heart. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be directors have had misgivings upon the subject." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Nothing?" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, several quiet little villages up there." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Perhaps I have." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms