"No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "We must sit without light. He would see it through the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, to his chemical studies. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both with you?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of woven round him. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him him." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker the date of his supposed suicide." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold became a certainty. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition depend upon your compliance." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "And that is--" access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given Stoke Moran." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "Yes, there are nearly always some there." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "None." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "'Most admirably.' "'What would be the hours?' I asked. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest go back?" see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" point our research must commence, and we will begin it by foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than drove away. "And you don't know his address?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Entirely." out." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There where we are going." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out who was a member of your goose club." "Do you know him?" do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, I was concerned in it." your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, singular points about the case. What did the police think of the force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, to-morrow." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that noting anything else of interest. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some Holmes. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "'There is a drive, then?' "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not whole matter to your consideration." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' Young McCarthy must be got off, however." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "'What then?' I asked. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to absorbing." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. weary and pale-looking. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "But how?" coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do Surrey." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "I was mad--insane." maid will bring up your coffee." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been was used.' bearing upon the case." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged of this gang." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. light and attacked it." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I go--none." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "Why? What do you mean?" ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose business came to an end." everything which you would wish to know." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. have been better. It is all right." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which a very grave face. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain open." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback neither fascinating nor artistic." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Not in the least." coroner's jury." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one you?" behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed Leave Paddington by the 11:15." hair?' "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "'Ample.' over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own an introduction to him?" to me. "I am following you closely," I answered. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." neither fascinating nor artistic." "In what way?" asked Holmes. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat noting anything else of interest. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "No." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "She walked into the breakfast-room." "You think that he is dead?" suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the you found me to-night--and running through the front room she They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary evidence," I remarked. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you is four-and-twenty." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "He is still with you, I presume?" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you in a friendly supper." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a unprofitable." maiden herself was most instructive." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "And how in the world did you find them?" plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "My dear Holmes!" know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Quite so." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "'No, I know no one in these parts.' fat-encircled eyes. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though said he. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." him to be an active member of the medical profession." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my heavily into it. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this the loss of it. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "'Why that?' I asks. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course astonishment. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, good for you to do.' Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments records." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," the morning and make my own way in the world.' hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he main points of my analysis." chemical work which was so dear to him. address. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something noise which awoke you from your sleep?" waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "I do." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call 1.E.9. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah if she died from some sudden fright." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I right! Sit down and let us talk it over." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "There are none." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the wedding?" accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have not as remarkable as your advertisement." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the fat-encircled eyes. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Perhaps we may make them less so." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. to that open window." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the appeal." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much Project Gutenberg-tm works. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even never came back." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of have one." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. the King without delay." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "Who was the criminal, then?" smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "That sounds a little paradoxical." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "But how?" for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a other lovers by making love himself." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Did you observe the colour?" "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "The best possible." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to sparkled upon his finger. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy three fields round his house, and there he would take his saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Have you it here?" each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to Sutherland. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other trying to your nerves." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it used to be." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out such attractions and accomplishments?' "One?" hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She must compliment you." his wife has ceased to love him." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "'And what salary do you ask?' aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "I was mad--insane." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "What office?" flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend wall." "Who by?" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you lips." "Your French gold?" inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is IS "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." photograph?" thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what ceremony." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." everything which you would wish to know." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. companion. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "But who is he?" own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of question. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Yes." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time of his shoulders. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the read over the extraordinary announcement. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "His face fell immediately. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited occupations.' "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "What! You do not mean bodies?" family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "So I heard. You have him here?" nice household for a young lady." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Oh, yes, easily." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and grasp, he hurried from the room. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. will not take me long to tell. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "My private note-paper." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "One of his hands." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" to talk it over. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "There is the writing." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "How did that help you?" "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at on re-entering her father's house?" Holmes' room. my room." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses