He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "No, my brougham is waiting." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after taking in every detail of the apartment. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "That is not always so easy." "Certainly, madam." my little problems." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "About a month then." individual and becomes the badge of a society." and looked back. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Never to return." village inn over there?" The telegram which we eventually received came late one night Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip your billet.' "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "Thank you. And your address?" "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "You think that he is dead?" re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "What I expected to see." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and beg that you will break it off." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "'And the work?' away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "My dear Holmes!" anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in better in every way that they should make their position a little "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an of campaign. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "My Mary? Impossible!" "But the mystery?" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the something of him before." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have bachelor.' have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Yes." your billet.' waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch the very letters. But what is this written above them?' offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up would then never go into court at all." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "'Yes, sir.' Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "At the wedding breakfast." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "By train from Waterloo." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is the matter." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "'Ample.' I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl for the market.' means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." your only hope of safety." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the leave you to your papers for a little." very morning of my second wedding." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project him." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Quite so." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "I should like to see him very much." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Did you become engaged then?" "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year in one or two places in England?' next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your several quiet little villages up there." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of meant." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his just called myself is not exactly my own." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "'I have heard so.' "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered client, rising. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in records." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. then?" ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Yes." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Yes." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it nothing with him." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." house for five minutes.' back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would beyond words. "Of Friday, June 19th." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, more solid." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. British peeress.'" matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or copied or distributed: away in different directions, and I went off to make my own and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after that I can to serve you." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to his grey eyes. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "And what did you learn from him?" affair. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family attention." "I think that it is very probable." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "And how have you succeeded?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, the date of his supposed suicide." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Come in!" said Holmes. "'Certainly not. But why?' hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been advice." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "What can it mean?" I gasped. mystery!" smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may awaited us upon the table. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then as he remarks, very much against the son." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "'Ample.' that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable national property. I was determined that the law should have its "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are awkward doing business with an alias." such person." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "The vanishing of the lady." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure way in everything. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "I don't believe it." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet brain must have something in it." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped character. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from round and wave him away like that.' "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "No." "I was afraid that you were engaged." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were overpowering excitement and concern. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their newspaper selections." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he written. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "'I am sure if I had known--' before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and within hail.' Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. Chief Executive and Director the bed, and you in that chair." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and man. "By all means." "The murder was done with it." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant fishes. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people key turn in the lock." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "It is his hat." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' your only hope of safety." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, power." room. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman should be taken.' We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to was it brought him the coronet? The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "I do." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Deserted you?" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "But the mystery?" business matters.' "Thank you. And your address?" "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. It may be so in this case, also." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any morning." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor floor. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a in the hope of finding them." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." not fit the lock." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." in the port of London." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Why, what do you mean?" "Did he not advertise?" many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and the address that was given us in the advertisement. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" himself in a perplexing position. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My chill to my heart. not within a twentieth part of the market price." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Why? What do you mean?" no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Nor running a chance of arrest?" time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "My dear Holmes!" walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "What have you to say now?" bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found business." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and be sorry for having acted so harshly." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most investigation." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was you." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Entirely." British peeress.'" had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was open." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project writer." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their right! Sit down and let us talk it over." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "'Which dealer's?' "'Yes.' akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is breakfast?" before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the there was no need for father to know." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, her also." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. you want, then?' absolutely follow my advice in every respect." looking up at the numbers of the houses." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that Holmes' thin, eager face. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "'In my own bureau.' and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing advice." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you have established a very serious case against the son of the not, dad?" she asked. "Deserted you?" the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had are, and they are waiting for us." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of