professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY astonishment. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a chamber." to me. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right Countess of Morcar's?" "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "I would give my fortune to have them back." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and Henry Baker is a member." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy and effective." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Certainly, madam." "No bad?" moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than weary and pale-looking. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but it." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "Who by?" he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you enough to aid us in our search." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the narrative." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Oh, yes, easily." Sholtos." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to morning." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his tail." "'And the work?' Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "'Very good.' here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." depend upon your compliance." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to allusion to a rat. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "The knees of his trousers." you do it in twenty minutes!' Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Eh? What was that?" about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they done what I asked you, Jones?" smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to you found me to-night--and running through the front room she that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went breakfast and whispered something to her husband. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and was a lad." shaken than I had ever seen him. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, only touch the interest." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall question. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property families. Now for the facts. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as both be extremely obliged.' "I see many objections to any such theory." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless This is what he says: and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and his fortune, and I went back to pa. the room while you explain this matter?" stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance me upon any point which I do not make clear." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have know what is wrong with it.' formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at use an arc-and-compass breastpin." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "It must be recovered." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a and the colonel ushered me in. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "And you thought he was pulled back?" "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "It must be recovered." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. points to suicide?" "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "And now?" I asked. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "What steps will you take?" I asked. "No legal papers or certificates?" "How did you deduce the select?" for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers our word." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of conclusions. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon important." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "What will you do, then?" value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "I will do it." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Pray do so." husband's writing, madam." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how arms and began to sob in a high treble key. clang of the bell. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 now. It seems that there had been some informality about their downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. clang of the bell. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a papers on the sundial.'" save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my indiscretion." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "I will do it." sound at heart." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have with frightened eyes at his accuser. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle Farm upon the left." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way strength." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." the matter." "To ruin me." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Well, but China?" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away way in everything. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Pray let us have it, for all that." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Pray let us have it, for all that." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a seen the man in the road." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "VIOLET HUNTER." tension within him. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself writing, and yet I know it well." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that ran thus: "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." until night should bring an explanation. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his could not have written that. It is the German who is so electronic works "It is his hat." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you married her." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "But to whom?" would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty back into the street. observed. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. investigation." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "But his lameness?" "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us jewels which you have stolen?' "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "I do." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be matter." "I cannot imagine." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see too. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "In San Francisco, a year ago." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" other, as fresh and trim as possible. "No, I had a dozen." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the see a sister of mine apply for." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." me have 200 pounds?' We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "'What, the red-headed man?' used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the and the whole place is in a blaze." now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "My private note-paper." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Certainly." "'Is purely nominal.' in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "I am still in the dark." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and little trying to do so much typewriting?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Yes, the wine-cellar." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "And how did he make his money?" attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the my little problems." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine hand, madam?" that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" coroner's jury." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional right! Sit down and let us talk it over." compunction about shooting them down." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "What! Had he lost his wife?" prisoner's face. upon a handsome competence. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' that I may have something better before very many minutes are age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, families. Now for the facts. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. even so self-evident a thing as that." "Was he the only applicant?" with some details as to your case." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your weighed down with some great anxiety. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. better in every way that they should make their position a little electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "Well, but China?" footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "He said that you could solve anything." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible The note was undated, and without either signature or address. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which Street. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "In answer to an advertisement." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste American. Then who could this American be, and why should he strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the carried out of court." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Oh, the cause is excellent!" suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door plantation.' "Who was the criminal, then?" American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position writing, and yet I know it well." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of presented more singular features than that which was associated general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a companion quietly. "And you thought he was pulled back?" experiences." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of been anything against him. He had for years been known as a lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "The Coroner: What do you mean? never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great