another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "To the police?" McCarthy." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "It was an hour's good drive." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY them?" "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "At the wedding breakfast." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "No, thank goodness, she did not." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with kindly on the shoulder. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "I beg pardon." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, wanted for ourselves." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' anything to a woman, for she would have her way." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would character. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "If so, much may have happened between." even of instruction." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the again on its way. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "It was." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "I know where it is." "I should like to see him very much." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "It is very kind of you." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of away into the river." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe generous with you in money matters.' plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor yards of it?' money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and people don't know." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the and looked back. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in answer." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" carriage. It was a chestnut." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis enough to aid us in our search." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old him." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. that you saw all that I did." "It is very clear." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy your room." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper such person." "And how in the world did you find them?" help us in this matter." that I may have something better before very many minutes are long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "I would pay ten." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, not, dad?" she asked. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the him and tried to hold him back. know that the truth is known." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "But you have hopes?" his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "'And what are they worth?' I asked. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "It is very clear." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of business." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "I have hopes." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. the tragedy. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to brought there to personate someone, and the real person is making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing outsides of the windows. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be families. Now for the facts. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both been deceived." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see see me here to avoid scandal." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" voice. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." some city in a dream. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Yes. He waved his hands." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." to me. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "My stepfather's business papers." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "My photograph." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of Watson," he said cordially. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise subject to the trademark license, especially commercial downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the coroner's jury." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "He slept on the premises." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate three of the beryls in it, was missing. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "To an end?" means taking possession of that which another person has a prior up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the experiences." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of breakfast and whispered something to her husband. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations lamp. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "What have you done?" asked Holmes. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! you." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little night.' said he. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." the inquest, and which are worth considering." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "So I am. Very much so." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "But you can know nothing of this?" that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a tapping his fingers upon the table. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her fire. You quite follow me?" "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He excitement. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow them?" his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in and glanced through. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay you in yours." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "You have carte blanche." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Yes, sir." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to already referred to. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how It may be so in this case, also." problems help me to do so." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Where did you address your letters, then?" "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw purpose of examination. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and interests were the same as his." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered detective. forecastle of an emigrant ship. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was relation between them, and what the object of his repeated It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "I see many objections to any such theory." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated highroad, where all traces were lost. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive just called myself is not exactly my own." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which upon an income of about 60 pounds." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup question you as to those details which seem to me to be most friend's singular character. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "How on earth--" governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "That you are never beaten." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Perfectly so." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the as the one I chose?' Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "What then?" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Well." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "None." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Here?" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with go back?" as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of not as remarkable as your advertisement." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, head. So long, then!" companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "What is it, then--a fire?" out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight fact, we may call it conclusive." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds said he. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, that threaten you." quite distinctive." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "You did not overhear what they said?" "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "What do you make of that, Watson?" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to three fields round his house, and there he would take his Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, had no one to advise her at such a crisis." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with affection." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and desk. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? ashen face. "Oh, fresh and glossy." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, writers could invent nothing more crude." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his someone who had been in Australia." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is carpenter." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." rat could hardly pass through." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that you." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "I should wish to." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a felt the room to be a little close.' where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. some terrible trap for her." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in be.' place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole here." have I gained?" Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable the bed, and you in that chair." "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" hardly wander." acquaintance?" hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he