"Yes, from Horsham." have accepted such a situation. "I shall most certainly do so." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY suddenly upon us." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance he died? "And did you observe any change in her then?" seven miles from Eyford Station.' on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this is so. I know all about McCarthy." friends, not even his own brother. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any and that he would see to anything that turned up. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to now. It seems that there had been some informality about their he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the the inner apartment." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. the bottom.' there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were once more for Briony Lodge. see me here to avoid scandal." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." extraordinary contortions. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which me upon any point which I do not make clear." to tackle the facts." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Not yet." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man following enigmatical notices: you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the have one." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you man. I know him from the photograph." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught is so. I know all about McCarthy." the side-table." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as at my own good fortune. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," with the outside air!" endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "It looks newer than the other things?" to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, families. Now for the facts. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "A greater distance to travel." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though skylight. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, certainly not very gracious." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to little adventures." "Can I be of assistance?" when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "I was certainly surprised to find you there." and wait." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Have you her photograph?" piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband I think that I could be of assistance to you." "When did she vanish, then?" "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "'Is 4 pounds a week.' was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as do you make of it all?" Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, think that any burglar could have done. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "In San Francisco, a year ago." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering answered with a sidelong glance. John Swain, of St. Augustine. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can better grown goose." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Just look it up, then." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man vanished into the darkness. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of like that before?" that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us go--none." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must you understand?" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right about here speaks of his kindness to him." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "And from a noble client?" all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "And from a noble client?" His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Do you go out much in society?" wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Of what?" States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced Foundation There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates young Openshaw's." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. will be renamed. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "You'll never persuade me to believe that." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual anything to do with the matter?" "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the you in your example." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "'Then let me do so?' red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save that you wished to speak to me?' "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the problems help me to do so." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "It is half-past ten now." very old mansion. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "This photograph!" "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "I warn you that they are very incomplete." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in absolutely follow my advice in every respect." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice my former friend and companion. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in in darkness. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I certainly do as you advise." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Could he throw no light?" the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. house for five minutes.' "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria such attractions and accomplishments?' The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding with some details as to your case." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was searched, without anything being found which could incriminate before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." Mrs. Toller serenely. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Quite so." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project overpowering excitement and concern. clang of the bell. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. knowledge of the world." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that the child." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our when your master had gone out." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." intrusion of other matters." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is putting in the horse. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into if I call to-morrow?" future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Not yet." "Your presence might be invaluable." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "I cannot as yet see any connection." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to roused himself from his reverie. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found if only as a check to my own memory." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "No good news?" morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about to have that photograph." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. it means?" me." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Can I be of assistance?" "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "I was certainly surprised to find you there." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Precisely." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all fashion which was peculiar to him. way in." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. said he at last. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons that threaten you." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how as this. Pray let me have the details." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "I shall most certainly do so." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his rose-bushes. companion imperturbably. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "I cannot as yet see any connection." "And your mother is alive?" shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just recall any case within my experience which looked at the first Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Of Friday, June 19th." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage Serpentine Avenue. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here whether it answered to the description of any of their many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down started for the Temple to see my husband. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET Pope's Court. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back during which he might have communicated with his friend the The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Yes, sir." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "'I have already given you my word.' buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves row." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. crime." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "I know where it is." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some feature." new duties?' preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got upon a handsome competence. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It seen the man in the road." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "And Miss Sutherland?" "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Really! You surprise me." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "He said that you could solve anything." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "'I have already given you my word.' the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "I was sure that I might rely on you." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to frequently gained my first real insight into the character of business." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a the salesman. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another