already been minutely examined." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if too. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "Why? What do you mean?" speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum For additional contact information: the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Yes, I have one waiting." "But you can know nothing of this?" has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which woven round him. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, tightly behind him. enter Dr. Roylott's room." "How did you trace it, then?" and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was burst out into a roar of laughter. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the he died? "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' your most interesting statement." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection you give your casting vote to?" "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any results." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Precisely so. But how--" his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will round and wave him away like that.' o'clock is it?" homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden name is different." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I useful material for showing traces. The double line a little you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "Bought." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." lamp. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "You have a clue?" occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, even so self-evident a thing as that." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Deserted you?" rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed and prosperity to your house. Good-night." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in the tragedy. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "To ruin me." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "This photograph!" do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "'Yes.' Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination Farm upon the left." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; comes from the middle window." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson thin legs towards the fire. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Always." "Yes." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "What office?" practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, appointment with me for six o'clock?" sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Oh, yes, easily." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other from the brougham. "'I have heard so.' put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very advice." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "On the contrary, this is the right side." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "It is very clear." clang of the bell. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to here." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was a good hundred miles off by now." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back the very morning of the wedding." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, bears upon the case?" though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A used to be." kind enough to tell me what I should do." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the 'I should be able to look after that for you.' it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a his grey eyes. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and did not hear it also.' beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all walking." Doctor, of the paper and the date." "It is possible." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as retorted upon me, and I on you." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal bonnet, and went out." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet at my own good fortune. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible shall use the carriage to-night." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. the ceiling. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "My private note-paper." address. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in young Openshaw's." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one nonsense.' begin with, and I had not got mine yet." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "There are none." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet you." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Did you become engaged then?" gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "I answered that I had not. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern upon a handsome competence. he. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a drawing your inferences." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. place of silver." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle sooner or later she must fall a victim. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew Pope's Court. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "I see many objections to any such theory." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my I am not easy in my mind about them." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until some mystery and the punishment of some crime." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' DAMAGE. "My private note-paper." that threaten you." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey points to suicide?" Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "No, I think that I'll take it." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "An accident, I presume?" through." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Pray let us have it, for all that." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Not yet." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to most interesting one." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "Come in!" said Holmes. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope of your young ladies.' "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your despair." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called your most interesting statement." the coronet in his hands?" The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "One of his hands." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a green of the new foliage. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it shoulder. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did suddenly upon us." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news as he folded up the epistle. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "But I am all in the dark." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Frequently." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute be.' searched, without anything being found which could incriminate cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the giving me time to thank him. very morning of my second wedding." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as Street. bell. Holmes whistled. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should the nursery. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news papers." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. horse could go." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "And how have you succeeded?" remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he arrested. You then--" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all your billet.' matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the in your London, you will know that the office of the company is about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your confronted him. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "I think that I had better go, Holmes." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "I would give my fortune to have them back." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here the coronet at all injured?" graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Whose house is it?" and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man But Holmes shook his head gravely. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, leave you to your papers for a little." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just yet." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "We must have a cab." "'What then?' I asked. charge against him will break down." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that me." "Won't it ring?" accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally himself to tell his story. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, and effective." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with highly," said Holmes. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "How on earth--" would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it do.' "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It most interesting one." business." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come the so-precious time, but come!' most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' the loss of it. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this relief. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "I have hopes." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be matter over." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson directors have had misgivings upon the subject." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this posted to-day." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." will be renamed. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a there in twenty minutes." detained." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; DAMAGE. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." himself in a perplexing position. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and the very morning of the wedding." "Her father is very rich?" "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." conclusions. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "'Yes, sir.' "I have my revolver," said I. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I