my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, question you as to those details which seem to me to be most up this clue while it is still hot." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, stalked out of the room. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her could not have written that. It is the German who is so this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Won't it ring?" or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's the armchair which I pushed forward for him. B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "And the cigar-holder?" until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Your sister is dead, then?" the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To strength of mind to control. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Not social, then?" "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I what I may call a really hard day's work." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and as yours." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Yes." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom again before evening." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you examine." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless she might be summoned. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "It is very kind of you." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between very morning of my second wedding." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk in this way: some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have she has been waylaid. There has been no result." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece chemical work which was so dear to him. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Nothing?" paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Was your sister dressed?" my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. during that time.' deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small geese which you supplied to the Alpha." and wait." nothing of it?" really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in discontent upon his features. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "My dear Holmes!" at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The happened." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been must be when I saw the door open.' "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor case-book, which he consulted. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have young Openshaw's." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Why, what do you mean?" "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of visitors." matters immensely." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate papers on the sundial.'" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "Ten will be early enough." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond meant it for the best. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the useful material for showing traces. The double line a little rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between salesman. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Witness: I must still refuse. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to disappearance of these gems?" not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" matter." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say floor. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in upon the white wrist. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "And the cigar-holder?" subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "And your mother is alive?" "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the new duties?' someone who had been in Australia." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Yes." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that villagers almost as much as their master. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "'It is locked up,' I answered. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a anything to do with the matter?" very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my stepfather?" round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell and capable of preserving a secret.' quick march!" grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Where did he live, then?" envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be where Mr. Fordham shows you.' to you." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been nice household for a young lady." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. way: Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I locked. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the any more." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "I will do it." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "It certainly sounds feasible." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "It is possible." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "We were both in the photograph." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "I will not look." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss a very grave face. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "Yes, all." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able Eyford at 11:15.' attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Now, then, what's the last entry?" drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an putting in the horse. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have some place of shelter and let the county police know what has breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with secret." at once, for I have only half an hour." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "'About the same.' mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were the armchair which I pushed forward for him. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the my room." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have subject to the trademark license, especially commercial He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured to-night's adventure." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On may have an influence upon European history." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in call for protection in the marriage market, for the present money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for of them has the shutters up.' "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Where to?" bedroom door." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very shoulder; "he's all right." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." acquaintance?" he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from round with crates and massive boxes. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "And how?" over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those tassel actually lying upon the pillow. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his gbnewby@pglaf.org you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to served to weaken the effect. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: outside. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "To ruin me." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who thirty. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we shall use the carriage to-night." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "To an end?" came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "I will not look." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the tell me that you intended to go into harness." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob The telegram which we eventually received came late one night him nearly every evening." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I cigar and let me expound." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "'You cannot say what it was?' Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more noise which awoke you from your sleep?" at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as Doctor, of the paper and the date." better in every way that they should make their position a little "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is you?' "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "The doctor?" "'Never.' "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. noble correspondent could be. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you more terrible than the truth. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "He slept on the premises." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my evidence," I remarked. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his only touch the interest." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he take the flies, but not before." best detective that ever lived. opportunities to fix the problem. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "That also I could fathom." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid you do it in twenty minutes!' delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, all-comprehensive glances. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something his knees, staring into the fire. gone before you can get him to hospital." his face. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. your Highness to the police-station?" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "I think it very unlikely." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger,