of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Yes, it was twisted." "Only as much as we can deduce." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses searched, without anything being found which could incriminate society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "But of what society?" and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the place of silver." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "What will you do, then?" among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "No, thank goodness, she did not." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." all?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "I promise," said Holmes. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I stepfather?" connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "The King of Scandinavia." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly was lame." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind key turn in the lock." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "He disappeared so suddenly." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and and your relations to her." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. telegram would bring me down to your help." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank searched, without anything being found which could incriminate wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were is," said he presently: photograph a cabinet?" this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, upon the white wrist. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I suddenly upon us." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Nothing." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official easy-going way." occupations.' your room." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has relief. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the and have this put in the evening papers." more terrible than the truth. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with bird of prey. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler London for the present?" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "So I have heard." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for invisible to me," I remarked. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. felt?" carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there standing smiling on the door-step. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "She told me to ask you." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a eat it." with you alone." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as searched, without anything being found which could incriminate Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was friend's singular character. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "I am following you closely," I answered. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. in darkness. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, head. So long, then!" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen assist you in forming an opinion." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the quite distinctive." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than been able to understand it, in a very few words. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "It is no ordinary one." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. detective. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In woven round him. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I there has been an enclosure here!" "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem detained." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Do you receive much company?" he asked. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for nothing of it?" "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple new acquaintance to Baker Street. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother Holmes. "So it appears." as he remarks, very much against the son." "No." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Where is it, then?" "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he any." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Pray let us have it, for all that." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he you." upon an income of about 60 pounds." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of some terrible trap for her." "You will not go there first?" With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "It is very clear." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and The summons was a brief and urgent one. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his a suggestive one." bird of prey. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with a room. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in joking. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for footfalls from the street. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned attention." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better thought that she would have been so carried away." "None." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away down in his armchair and closing his eyes. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "'I have heard so.' lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "And when will you call?" settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" points to suicide?" up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "You have the photograph?" and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic most interesting one." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client system of imprisonment?" "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Always." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "When did it break out?" "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." most interesting one." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you man. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "No." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is would apply.' as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, papers must be those that are destroyed.' held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" the station." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. danger is over." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have of them has the shutters up.' "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all is four-and-twenty." "That sounds a little paradoxical." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. key of the affair now." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a breakfast?" better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in door?" and put his glass in his pocket. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Whose house is it?" the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been of Mr. Rucastle's." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "But not more so than I to find you." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about pressing in one house as in another. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a you, my dear young lady?' from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the hands. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. events than those which have happened in my own family." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is think, you have already met." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I into the bag, and made for the door. interest. They are important, you understand, without being advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "But I have heard all that you have heard." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Where to?" I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "Never." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "They are typewritten," I remarked. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at DISSOLVED. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of questioning and rather startled gaze. all?" "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have details." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "But we can't all be." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' he bowed and left the room without another word. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the in one or two places in England?' then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, strong reason behind." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and I nodded again. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "My photograph." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' But Holmes shook his head gravely. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are placed his cuttings. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and were new raised from a basin. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is be. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate him nearly every evening." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I kind enough to tell me what I should do." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly to-night." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see the armchair which I pushed forward for him. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond empty. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son their singular warning or token before them when starting upon it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away colonel looking down at me. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "No." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending do you make of it all?" "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must garden below. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the yards of it?' had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "'Yes, I promise.' left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest as the one I chose?' cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should Arthur Conan Doyle Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. was already answered. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "Then, how do you know?" "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I