his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining chance." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Where did he live, then?" looking up at the numbers of the houses." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great so.' and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some bachelor.' for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for business." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to of." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "But I have heard all that you have heard." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "Witness: I must still refuse. "I see no marks." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which bird of prey. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "You have a clue?" he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "And the cigar-holder?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "10th. John Swain cleared. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "Look there!" said he. to you." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after sneer upon his pale face. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must chair. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "'Never.' to a more successful conclusion." and it need not interfere very much with one's other when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest round and wave him away like that.' an introduction to him?" downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, such person." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." before, for it was considerably after midnight. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I all-comprehensive glances. stammered. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the meant it for the best. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. security.' head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "'Stolen!' he cried. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an It was close upon four before the door opened, and a electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My bedroom door." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "He said too much." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless God! What an exposure! What can I do?" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms said I. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual if she died from some sudden fright." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at and no precautions can guard against." entirely devoid of interest." into the room. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "And that is--" which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "Texas, I think." during which he might have communicated with his friend the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has this poor creature." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "In answer to an advertisement." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which she might be summoned. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "No. What a strange idea!" "'Why that?' I asks. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be mystery." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you any little problem which you may submit to me." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, you found me to-night--and running through the front room she weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "It may not come to that," said Holmes. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting intimate personal affairs in this public manner." weary and pale-looking. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "'Certainly not.' re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included never will be, entirely cleared up. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here carried out of court." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, examine." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "'Where could I find him?' and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy politicians who had been sent down from the North. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried to Leatherhead. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY laugh and put his lips to my ear. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings was feeling which was the fattest.' "That is easily got." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, and the church but not where the lady lived." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not coat-tails." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed unprofitable." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Yes, sir." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into the dangers which encompass me." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "'Then let me do so?' "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "In answer to an advertisement." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and him, that man would not have given me such complete information "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Where to?" observed. me where it went to?" have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "I was afraid that you were engaged." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. row." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and introspective fashion. have got?" Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried everything which you would wish to know." "Never." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her hard-headed British jury." again, where I was soon asleep. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the suddenly upon us." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, criminal. We have already had experience of such." said Mr. Holder. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "That also I could fathom." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Not I." "Breckinridge is his name." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that had no one to advise her at such a crisis." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should been able to understand it, in a very few words. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause behind me. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of about. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are arrangements." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "I should like to see him very much." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. strong reason behind." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "'Stolen!' he cried. "None. Neville wrote those words." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some been deceived." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "No." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in fashion which was peculiar to him. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which time." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but existence." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. this unhappy family?" for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated tension within him. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with His smile broadened. chill to my heart. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "No sign of it?" you." hardly wander." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the if only as a check to my own memory." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Of Friday, June 19th." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "You are all wrong." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. shoulder; "he's all right." "On the contrary, this is the right side." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by have had none more fantastic than this." advice." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some rat could hardly pass through." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was electronic works Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may to arrive at through this?" determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless conclusions. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' rat could hardly pass through." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his a few minutes he said that it would be all right. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with chill to my heart. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us for the market.' in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel useful material for showing traces. The double line a little no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" My friend smiled. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who disappearance of the bride.'" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door during the last few years, and there are many noble families to accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated and your relations to her." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, the bed, and you in that chair." "The doctor?" some water from a caraffe. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass as he folded up the epistle. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face the King without delay." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you giving me time to thank him. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying with you alone." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper conclusions. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the go from here to the Strand." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Precisely so. But how--" before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "He might." that threaten you." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "When did she vanish, then?" Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or call for it in person on Monday morning.' eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his meanly of me." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to very peculiar words of the dying woman?" had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "That's no good." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, formed some opinion?" from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "How did you deduce the select?" daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "What, then?" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Holmes' face clouded over. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some what is your own theory as to what took place?" Munro.' address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door