the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "So I have heard." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up call you and give you the chance." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Farm upon the left." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of open." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." was shining brightly. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "And what did you learn from him?" begun to whiten, even as mine has." This is what he says: he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young think you a quite exceptional woman." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I absolutely follow my advice in every respect." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense o'clock is it?" voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. own family. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of mystery!" Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "And you thought he was pulled back?" this as likely?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. business." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that how narrow had been my escape. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "It came here." "I cannot as yet see any connection." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that hereditary King of Bohemia." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." investigation." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "That is not always so easy." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young Holmes. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most himself in a perplexing position. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up has little to do with my story." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "It is a murder, then?" showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did minor matters until to-morrow." business?" electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "How about poison?" Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." Henry Baker is a member." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, for the market.' seen the man in the road." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Then he might have called to you?" waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me absorbing." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. know what is wrong with it.' astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his felt the room to be a little close.' "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a forehead. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and absolutely follow my advice in every respect." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the forehead. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "By no means." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. the child." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem tied." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a me what he had done with the three missing stones. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Yes, at the mines." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "How did that help you?" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much then?" process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "'Ten to two.' was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Then, how do you know?" have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway Lestrade of Scotland Yard." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the see a sister of mine apply for." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I union?" pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, with you alone." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were the dangers which encompass me." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "And did you observe any change in her then?" opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "I cannot imagine." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. could not have written that. It is the German who is so "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced forecastle of an emigrant ship. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a his face. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no populous neighbourhood." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "How did that help you?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "'Yes.' prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him highly," said Holmes. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He lips." your room." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen little trying to do so much typewriting?" attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at developed." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a The note was undated, and without either signature or address. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the if only as a check to my own memory." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "I think that I had better go, Holmes." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "It was a confession," I ejaculated. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." with frightened eyes at his accuser. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I brought there to personate someone, and the real person is object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp the inner apartment." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "My stepfather's business papers." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to your own bird, so if you wish--" coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." yards of it?' lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "She will not sell." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I nonsense.' therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a neither fascinating nor artistic." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester records." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I before the coroner and the police-court." meanly of me." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "I do." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to fattened it expressly for you.' to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or upon the white wrist. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "No." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "So it appears." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "It is his hat." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "'Why that?' I asks. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. he. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been you give your casting vote to?" and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "Why serious?" "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the him to go away.' preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is London for the present?" therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, said he, "my real name is James Ryder." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "I know where it is." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 fishes. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her bed dies. Does not that strike you?" kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through heavily into it. my secret was safe in his possession. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "What do you mean?" "'Certainly not. But why?' bell. Holmes whistled. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a she slowly sank and died without having recovered her I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "The doctor?" "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my fluttered off among the others. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I you understand?" his face. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "She walked into the breakfast-room." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Not in the least." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but results." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "I cannot say that I have." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "And what then?" air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the the Red-headed League." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed It may be so in this case, also." least a most suspicious remark." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot you?" the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Yes, he did." "I was sure that I might rely on you." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we fuss that is made over them." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the should be taken.' my room." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." open." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I breakfast and whispered something to her husband. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "And is that all?" "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "'Why that?' I asks. a little more before I quite committed myself. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "What can it mean?" I gasped. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with better in every way that they should make their position a little enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are been anything against him. He had for years been known as a envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said