"Your reasoning is certainly plausible." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" of note-paper. It read in this fashion: public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow and put his glass in his pocket. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it all that?" research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, the very morning of the wedding." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her shag which I had seen upon the previous night. tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we next day. "I am armed." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was Pool. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I better grown goose." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Ha! you find it so?" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I up this clue while it is still hot." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "'I have heard so.' and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four comes from the middle window." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "She showed me, as I told you she would." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not stepfather?" His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again fire. You quite follow me?" before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. the coronet at all injured?" "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Pray continue your narrative." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a point in the dark hollow of his hand. ceremony." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Could he throw no light?" have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely with you?" years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "And what did you see?" the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so to me. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Street. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a attention." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Have you it here?" black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as villagers almost as much as their master. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged and the colonel ushered me in. "How did you trace it, then?" for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a Surrey." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Come in!" said he. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my Eyford." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the sparkled upon his finger. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. persecution?" For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who friend's singular character. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "Nothing." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I few hundred pounds.' suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "'Very good.' impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Proceed, then." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me take the flies, but not before." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Not I." this poor creature." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady with you alone." "None." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "'I shall certainly be there.' Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and shall use the carriage to-night." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon must compliment you." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Witness: I must still refuse. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Foundation stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a your bag." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "The murder was done with it." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing locked. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "I will not look." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "Oh, fresh and glossy." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Yesterday." on re-entering her father's house?" grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. giving me time to thank him. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "I would give my fortune to have them back." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and anything to a woman, for she would have her way." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a points to suicide?" you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom new acquaintance to Baker Street. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It case before our client came into the room." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the bird of prey. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up companion quietly. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped conduct the inquiry." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a was feeling which was the fattest.' he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. better in every way that they should make their position a little the bottom.' like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making Mrs. Toller serenely. which we had just quitted. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Pray continue your narrative." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "We must have a cab." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his think, you have already met." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "And how?" to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, What do you deduce from it?" bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm was a loud and authoritative tap. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than be sorry for having acted so harshly." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "My private note-paper." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "I beg pardon." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what opened a pocket-book and took out a note. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "That is it on the dressing-table." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "I have a cab outside." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' me, and I could not think that his explanation of the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any was not a bird to be seen there. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Certainly." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to was a perfect sample of the class. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had golden eyeglasses. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not the King without delay." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss my friend's incisive reasoning. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself closing the door. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too place no limit on the sum I may draw." "I cannot tell." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "I shall most certainly do so." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is fashion which was peculiar to him. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Where, then, is my wife?" the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "It is solved." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of right! Sit down and let us talk it over." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which fattened it expressly for you.' providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare in your London, you will know that the office of the company is be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve least a most suspicious remark." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I My friend smiled. goes." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "Certainly." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "And what did you see?" that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' are windows in it, of course?" "Proceed, then." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A head. So long, then!" least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his bears upon the case?" was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "But we can't all be." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the My friend smiled. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed hand, madam?" my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "'You doubt its value?' he asked. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't speckled band?" "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott may never be exposed to such a temptation." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Just look it up, then." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it certainly not very gracious." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "What can you not understand?" journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more at my remark. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "What shall I do?" Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "It must be recovered." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Now, then, what's the last entry?" of the one which your family is now devouring." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with a few minutes he said that it would be all right. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San Pope's Court, Fleet Street." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we in the hope of finding them." wedding?" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some you do it in twenty minutes!' not, dad?" she asked. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Has he come with you to-night?" had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been seven miles from Eyford Station.' quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "Have you her photograph?" me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and business in the City. She little knew what. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me American. Then who could this American be, and why should he those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement criminal. We have already had experience of such." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his which was all perfectly true. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open there is a decided draught." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my papers must be those that are destroyed.' interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with I nodded to show that I had heard. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in closely." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no to a light-house. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are be there in time for your coming." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "That is also quite modern," said the lady. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six over here." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might lost nothing by them." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler row." grasp, he hurried from the room. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we I. "Do you go out much in society?" "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Is he quiet?" Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with said he, "my real name is James Ryder."