the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his tell them apart.' then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "It is solved." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and done what I asked you, Jones?" read over the extraordinary announcement. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Yes, all." that you wished to speak to me?' "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these useful material for showing traces. The double line a little ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up bearing upon the case." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I to go into your room and bar your shutters?" I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Very much so." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, me upon any point which I do not make clear." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" carpenter." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of read it out to me." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking round with crates and massive boxes. derbies." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for could not have written that. It is the German who is so ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Lee, in the county of Kent." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but your sleep?' 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera wall." for and were ordered to this address. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, leave you to your papers for a little." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Stolen, then." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were the child." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes a very grave face. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates and glanced through. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest weary and pale-looking. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the his grey eyes. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me It was close upon four before the door opened, and a rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying fishes. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Precisely." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' been shamefully used." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears the roots. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "That was it, sir." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no keep the flames under. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears I took the paper from him and read as follows: side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here to some other building. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, Holmes. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened that?' "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting the address that was given us in the advertisement. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever have been better. It is all right." a little more before I quite committed myself. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. are, and they are waiting for us." "But you can know nothing of this?" Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had opportunities to fix the problem. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "If I can be of use." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and his eyes and forehead. cost them two and thirty pounds." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The strange features which were associated with the two crimes which but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never one or two very singular points about this room. For example, he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it your own bird, so if you wish--" I. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his of the way of danger. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. this poor creature." only touch the interest." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do that?' is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which the night.' and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "'Certainly,' I answered. waste of energy." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Stolen." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "And your father? Did you tell him?" accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the of receipt of the work. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one have been better. It is all right." "The King of Scandinavia." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "And I say east," said my patient. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "What! Had he lost his wife?" could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "My dear Holmes!" surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, maiden herself was most instructive." were wasted." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." of Fenchurch Street." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "At what time?" "Yes." cheerful." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he too. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the that there was nothing in it, after all." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the despaired of." it were putty." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that strong and stiff." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. him and tried to hold him back. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to imbecility!" he cried. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the is four-and-twenty." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you in the hope of finding them." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a that he will be back before evening." 11:15.' with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." posted to-day." locked. danger is over." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet was feeling which was the fattest.' The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "It is possible." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "To an English lawyer named Norton." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "I will try. What is it?" We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting burst out into a roar of laughter. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." hands. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the union?" "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Your presence might be invaluable." orange pips. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore suddenly upon us." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "You have it, sir, just as it happened." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who new duties?' a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "You have a clue?" went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "Yes, I have one waiting." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when him." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. been deceived." "And I say east," said my patient. served to weaken the effect. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Ample." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." strength in the others." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, go back?" for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than problems help me to do so." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "To an end?" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation the coronet in his hands?" fait accompli?" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his humiliation." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to minor matters until to-morrow." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "But how will you look?" I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Perhaps I have." I shall communicate with you." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to paper in the air. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the way: dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a manager. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, enter into my head. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I interested in these little problems, and since you are good dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to is worth.' "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does not, dad?" she asked. with some details as to your case." passage and a tap at the door. is a common subject for conversation. "That is not always so easy." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "Witness: I must still refuse. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you asked with his eyes open. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind for the market.' annoyance, but no jest. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Dr. Becher's." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "I promise," said Holmes. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is away to you." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more indeed happy." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. not as remarkable as your advertisement." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Can I be of assistance?" for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from McCarthy's innocence. and your relations to her." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution that, and I came down." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself bore every mark of being an average commonplace British the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try I held the little printed slip to the light. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at