"Awake, Watson?" he asked. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Yes." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize Does that suggest anything?" which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even The King stared at him in amazement. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "I guessed as much." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use any." "But we can't all be." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Certainly, madam." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that hand, madam?" "Which surely he restored to their owner?" during which he might have communicated with his friend the "And you can do nothing until then?" a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "No, finished." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "'No, I know no one in these parts.' the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two bare slabs of marble. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted papers diligently of late, have you not?" appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: ago." "That you are never beaten." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found I shall communicate with you." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, minor matters until to-morrow." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "'Yes.' my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Ample." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Was there a secret marriage?" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. he. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, shoulder. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is arrangements." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin asked with his eyes open. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has a suggestive one." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "I am in hopes that she does." to have that photograph." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner shag which I had seen upon the previous night. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were his huge brown hands. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing salesman. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "But what harm can there be in that?" "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Here?" "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair foot. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "If I can be of use." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal to have that photograph." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. the bottom.' should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no have had none more fantastic than this." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "If I can be of use." crime." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Yes, that is the Crown." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "Yes, from Horsham." "Imitated." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his congratulate you again." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while clang of the bell. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "I never have." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite of." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will business." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing retorted upon me, and I on you." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone was shining brightly. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned you came in." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" himself to hunt down. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have outside." have accepted such a situation. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Not yet." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Never." Heh?' that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. I nodded to show that I had heard. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Yes, it would be as well." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. undoubtedly my uncle's." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from security.' equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She whole matter to your consideration." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he spare." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "No, distinctly professional." your own bird, so if you wish--" And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. for the market.' "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate six. Come in!" think that any burglar could have done. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was What do you deduce from it?" "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," them present such singular features as the strange train of own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "It is very clear." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "Oh, yes, easily." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful Sutherland?" "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip disappearance of the bride.'" suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "You will not go there first?" paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two the coronet at all injured?" "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon me." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent envelope. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" and all of them with the keenest interest. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "And help." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to compunction about shooting them down." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that floor. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "There are none." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was round and wave him away like that.' very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in woman." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between not as remarkable as your advertisement." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that him to be an active member of the medical profession." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed what is your own theory as to what took place?" ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque mysterious business." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "Get out!" said he. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read Countess of Morcar's?" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "And I to find an enemy." "Yes. He waved his hands." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not miles off. "Which are?" such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "To an end?" "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. unprofitable." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "On Monday." Arthur Conan Doyle "I promise," said Holmes. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and leave you to your papers for a little." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could I nodded to show that I had heard. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a most important business. It is probable that he will be away all had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Absolutely none." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "I shall most certainly do so." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Witness: I must still refuse. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case prepare for the new role I have to play." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the Leave Paddington by the 11:15." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, room had already been engaged for us. Watson," he said cordially. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Get out!" said he. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, of your young ladies.' come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without and wait." ready to-morrow?' "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours it means?" "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock question. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "No, I think that I'll take it." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem Does that suggest anything?" at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, most interesting one." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little formed some opinion?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts,