no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "'I shall certainly be there.' that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "None." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I there is a decided draught." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong of your young ladies.' "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "'Oh, no.' of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' father's place of business?" murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "I am all attention, madam." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." young Openshaw's." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a golden eyeglasses. towards the blaze. "May I see it?" "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. laugh and put his lips to my ear. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "'What, the red-headed man?' often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "'What would be the hours?' I asked. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Ha! you find it so?" business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen pictures, libraries, or plate. "You have but to name it." forehead. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but second window is the one that I jumped from." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his the date of his supposed suicide." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it the best of training." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty writing, and yet I know it well." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "And what did you see?" new duties?' company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that to surprise her." detective. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was felt the room to be a little close.' "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "I see many objections to any such theory." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Well." dear old homesteads?" instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with annoyance, but no jest. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "A thing like a cleaver," said he. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old charged with?" be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "But to whom?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very digesting their breakfasts at home." chamber." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, Eyford." you?' from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' people in all walks of life. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "By train from Waterloo." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless cup of tea. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your think, you have already met." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I unclasping of his long thin hands. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "And I to find an enemy." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others cigars in the box." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." spare." with frightened eyes at his accuser. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Where, then, is my wife?" "Then you may be so with me." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "'What would be the hours?' I asked. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Stoke Moran?" said he. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should do." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you to change my dress. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would like gravel from a pit.' studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Certainly." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg girl said." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock just ask you whether you had heard it.' these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in cost them two and thirty pounds." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But outside. wanted for ourselves." "What will you do, then?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a nothing with him." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "I am still in the dark." that I am arrested." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, brain must have something in it." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "That is easily got." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and annoyance, but no jest. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so joking. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before since then to throw any light upon what became of him." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being present." believe that I should never have any practice at all. "What, then, did Peterson do?" test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every felt the room to be a little close.' people don't know." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and green of the new foliage. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "I cannot as yet see any connection." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before the loss of it. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some companion quietly. "But of what society?" along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might gbnewby@pglaf.org hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My reach." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and sentimental considerations in the background which would induce Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Because he was handy and would come cheap." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the particular state visit http://pglaf.org ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "I cannot tell." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do States. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "'Where could I find him?' "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that this remarkable episode. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend reach." "On your arm?" examine." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Certainly, madam." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO Pope's Court. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Was there a secret marriage?" "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "Yes." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days question," said Holmes, smiling. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that the side-table." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was have been better. It is all right." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria hour?' It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and head. So long, then!" across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be father's young wife. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, once more on the important position which you have been fortunate is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you experiences." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "Where is it, then?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I past. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "No." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been a room. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much pressing in one house as in another. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning of them has the shutters up.' cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and may never be exposed to such a temptation." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the digesting their breakfasts at home." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You the coronet at all injured?" loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient voice. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I shadow pass over his face as I spoke. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "But not more so than I to find you." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for of his shoulders. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their you came in." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "But what is it you wish?" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter like that before?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "It is very kind of you." "Thank you. Pray proceed." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen copied or distributed: did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. said he at last. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "How often?" fashion which was peculiar to him. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in the station." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of of them has the shutters up.' "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were Holmes rather sternly. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he have I gained?" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." Lee, in the county of Kent." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "But he might be a bachelor." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to