"Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he Eyford." "I should wish to." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a own family. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "And Miss Sutherland?" send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have the so-precious time, but come!' was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Here?" same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which you came in." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? individual and becomes the badge of a society." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Thank you. And your address?" foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "No." of the one which your family is now devouring." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your astonishment. "You think so, too?" he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked this unhappy family?" there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Certainly, madam." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital of the way of danger. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Did you become engaged then?" Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have humiliation." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned despaired of." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is lips." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Yes, I have one waiting." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of nothing with him." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "Imitated." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "So I have heard." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case if she died from some sudden fright." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, had this final quarrel? voice, changing her seat as requested. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that and looked back. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered there when the Rucastles went away." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his if she died from some sudden fright." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. keep the flames under. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had more solid." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "To the police?" could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old written. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "No, finished." "It was." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and case-book, which he consulted. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "He might." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "No, I think that I'll take it." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, little adventures." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "I think it very unlikely." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in the room while you explain this matter?" within hail.' as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" have an American origin." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Yes." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about believe that I should never have any practice at all. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what following enigmatical notices: loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she key turn in the lock." "Ample." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "In which, sir?" "You forget that I know nothing about it." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Deserted you?" the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, is acting for the best. in his power. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "What is it?" even so self-evident a thing as that." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the galvanised. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not this remarkable episode. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man pound a week." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been prisoner's face. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for of the one which your family is now devouring." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue examination of the premises, but without finding anything which expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife During two years I have had three consultations and one small Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying key of the affair now." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet in my life." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. Eyford at 11:15.' Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I was not a bird to be seen there. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey searched, without anything being found which could incriminate at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "On your arm?" "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we Leave Paddington by the 11:15." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, desk. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I kind enough to tell me what I should do." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Witness: I must still refuse. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. them present such singular features as the strange train of "10th. John Swain cleared. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to key of the affair now." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes I nodded to show that I had heard. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "'It is locked up,' I answered. once more for Briony Lodge. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and a suggestive one." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. business." "None." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss corner of the building. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from humiliation." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be with her." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his heavily into it. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a second." experiences." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that room had already been engaged for us. fashion which was peculiar to him. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "I am to be neutral?" acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small crime. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "This concluded the examination of the witness." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa skylight. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his started for the Temple to see my husband. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know seven miles from Eyford Station.' excitement. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. with frightened eyes at his accuser. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest again before evening." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "I will get her to show me." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the dates and names. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each go from here to the Strand." more terrible than the truth. "But I am all in the dark." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I how narrow had been my escape. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business it. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "'Is purely nominal.' flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "'Yes, sir.' "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you towards the blaze. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the the salesman. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." several quiet little villages up there." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "My photograph." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may whether it answered to the description of any of their "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he cigars in their mouths. "Will you bet, then?" with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such standing smiling on the door-step. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Stoke Moran?" said he. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "No, my brougham is waiting." my former friend and companion. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "It is very kind of you." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, tapping his fingers upon the table. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried next day. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "You have but to name it." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and highly," said Holmes. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had upon an income of about 60 pounds." "She will not sell." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the a good hundred miles off by now." I took the paper from him and read as follows: enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "'Then let me do so?' a suggestive one." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use whole matter to your consideration." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "10th. John Swain cleared. "'Certainly,' I answered. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. sneer upon his pale face. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the in his power. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint,