would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as and put his glass in his pocket. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of pressing in one house as in another. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the hurried away. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a too. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly not use it unless it is absolutely needed." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "Dark enough and sinister enough." that to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," astonishment. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself tell him that I know him to be innocent." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" night.' said he. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his States. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what joking. "I promise," said Holmes. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "What steps will you take?" I asked. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was Young McCarthy must be got off, however." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the criminal. We have already had experience of such." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Pray do so." "It is possible." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "No. What a strange idea!" "What will you say?" "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his the stones. "No. What a strange idea!" time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This photograph?" subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be sparkled upon his finger. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the hair?' "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. upon the shelf for the interim." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The confronted him. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." bonnet, and went out." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that appeal." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Married! When?" until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were bird of prey. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the he died? part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I felt?" down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "It is very clear." but preventing her from injuring another. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Tired-looking or fresh?" The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at way in." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "I cannot imagine." mysterious business." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Here?" therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "Not social, then?" second." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to eat it." "'Which dealer's?' sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a cost them two and thirty pounds." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped money should be paid at once.' Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "We have tried and failed." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular in the dead of the night?' "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. unprofitable." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry with you?" "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "'Where to?' comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Surrey." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "I am to be neutral?" "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking matter." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss back into the street. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has views." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace disturbance in my wife." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "'Entirely.' brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "My dear Holmes!" tell them apart.' were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without for and were ordered to this address. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "I have solved it." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of not personally threatened." in darkness. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than you." "But his left-handedness." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is my secret was safe in his possession. British peeress.'" not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment absorbing." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Holmes, the busybody!" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found and laid it on the table. new acquaintance to Baker Street. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some about here speaks of his kindness to him." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Yes." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, as noiselessly as she had come. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which never to learn it at all." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "This photograph!" "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and your Highness to the police-station?" lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to formed some opinion?" Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I country, and eventually married, without anyone having a really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but already been minutely examined." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "It is his hat." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a least a most suspicious remark." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been to me. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "I should like to see him very much." "I should wish to." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "Yes, it would be as well." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "I am about to be married." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "I promise," said Holmes. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you introspective fashion. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Not yet." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "And it is--" "I am sure." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do on in his house." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and true." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he directors have had misgivings upon the subject." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as awkward doing business with an alias." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the ventilator." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Lestrade of Scotland Yard." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned front of the hall door has given its name to the place. call you and give you the chance." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "I have come for advice." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There colour had been driven from his face. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive were new raised from a basin. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, DAMAGE. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached orange pips. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think to talk it over. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' not come at once?" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, once more. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned that he has suffered." wedding?" understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in even so self-evident a thing as that." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life awkward doing business with an alias." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "That's no good." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "'Which dealer's?' manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" cigar and let me expound." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness footfalls from the street. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Where, then?" extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "'Certainly,' I answered. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs sooner or later she must fall a victim. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!"