simple cases which are so extremely difficult." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could questioning and rather startled gaze. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "'How far from the body?' and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there interested in these little problems, and since you are good whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of a monotonous occupation." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise which are rolled in Rotterdam." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Here?" with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do one's self under obligations.' him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "One horse?" interjected Holmes. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "That is unusual in a young girl." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "I think it very unlikely." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the this remarkable episode. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "Why? What do you mean?" "In what way?" asked Holmes. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "At what time?" that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I approach us with offers to donate. "Yes." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if noting anything else of interest. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he the Red-headed League." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." both be extremely obliged.' "I was afraid that you were engaged." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Perhaps we may make them less so." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that of the efforts of the United States government and of the better you." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he forbidden door. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the just ask you whether you had heard it.' "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive works. See paragraph 1.E below. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done next day. business." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Very. But will he see it?" tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "You horrify me!" speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "It's nothing of the kind." enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Really! You surprise me." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet trifles." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at once more to my work. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "She told me to ask you." shall use the carriage to-night." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "I have come for advice." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, suspect him." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her amused." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, returning from some small jollification and was making his way "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I British peeress.'" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from drove away. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and quickly through a disagreeable task. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when window when the police appeared." see a sister of mine apply for." "My opinion is in no way altered." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley me upon any point which I do not make clear." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark in this note: the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "'There is a drive, then?' is," said he presently: However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I one of them." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of letters?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I appointment with me for six o'clock?" workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were tension within him. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must The note was undated, and without either signature or address. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four tassel actually lying upon the pillow. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "I will, Miss Turner." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he beyond words. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "I should be immensely obliged to you." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might to Leatherhead. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this cigar and let me expound." rat could hardly pass through." "Entirely." Chief Executive and Director in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "The murder was done with it." thin legs towards the fire. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen companion. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Why did you pick him?" here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And bird I ate is country bred." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar signal between you and your father? on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My of." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Could he throw no light?" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of there when the Rucastles went away." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "I am about to be married." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His once more. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of My friend smiled. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I best detective that ever lived. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like again before evening." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "I am to be neutral?" and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Have you her photograph?" Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight girl said." business matters.' John Swain, of St. Augustine. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "At the wedding breakfast." mysterious end." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "And how?" of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Yes." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. was not a bird to be seen there. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "I cannot tell." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my the morning and make my own way in the world.' was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. open." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. hand, madam?" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." weary and pale-looking. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "But what harm can there be in that?" innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid I nodded again. results." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms the iron safe, which he closed upon it. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when been with you?" be.' gone before you can get him to hospital." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." hopeless attempt at recovering them." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "I have seen the police." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I yards of it?' sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the new acquaintance to Baker Street. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Your presence might be invaluable." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your to tell." the so-precious time, but come!' Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "I cannot imagine." gigantic client. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. from you?" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. more terrible than the truth. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is not as remarkable as your advertisement." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about always that they were such commands as a lady might with There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" dead, shall be safe with us." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "'Yes, sir.' began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. down. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "We must have a cab." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Your presence might be invaluable." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the be best to do. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and as yours." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced kindly on the shoulder. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a within hail.' "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "I cannot tell." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some posted to-day." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." to-night?' brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been in my life." residence of the great financier. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but indiscretion." in my life." "Yes." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the and have this put in the evening papers." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we never will be, entirely cleared up. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "'Quite sure, dad.' "What steps will you take?" I asked. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is ceremony." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to made him keep the appointment." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. business came to an end." "And why?" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Yes." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, shall use the carriage to-night." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I there were one or two details which were new to me. But the begun to whiten, even as mine has." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "But what harm can there be in that?" ventilator." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our and laid it on the table. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little a very grave face. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case who was a member of your goose club." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" persecution?" examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Yes, there are nearly always some there." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "You don't mind breaking the law?" "The Coroner: What do you mean? new acquaintance to Baker Street. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, congenial hunt. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, pressing in one house as in another. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want dead, shall be safe with us." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is recover the gem." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of him to be an active member of the medical profession." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his yards of it?' money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London because she had spent so short a time in this country that she neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "It is no ordinary one." easy-going way." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly your troubles." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he