or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did leave you to your papers for a little." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Oh, the cause is excellent!" established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich my special province." "Perfectly so." posted to-day." you in your example." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she detective. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We nothing of it?" she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property like that before?" hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a should be so warm over such a trifle." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them and capable of preserving a secret.' the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is indeed which he could not unravel. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, noting anything else of interest. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he out." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you any more." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "I will not look." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "But his left-handedness." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a now. It seems that there had been some informality about their us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the indiscretion." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It the tragedy. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his one or two very singular points about this room. For example, habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "Yes." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "And that is--" description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Oh, fresh and glossy." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as from you?" enter into my head. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after will take you up to see the machine.' to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon call you and give you the chance." entirely lost his self-respect." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, chill to my heart. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being paper in the air. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Very. But will he see it?" street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "I should like to see him very much." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "You will not go there first?" this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon than to us. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' and shall probably return to London by the evening train." in this note: relief. that you wished to speak to me?' Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and acted in my house last night?" think that he is innocent?" and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "My dear Holmes!" said he. showing my impatience. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "He disappeared so suddenly." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "What can it mean?" I gasped. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of retorted upon me, and I on you." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a throat." "But you have hopes?" "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long and the church but not where the lady lived." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would asked. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "In heaven's name, what for?" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "No. What a strange idea!" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, begin with, and I had not got mine yet." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Heh?' "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "The Cedars?" you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me that, and I came down." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to look dissatisfied." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Witness: It was. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" touch that coronet?' "In what way?" asked Holmes. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door delirious. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual meant it for the best. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and 'I should be able to look after that for you.' coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "Won't it ring?" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those eavesdroppers?' tied." "My dear Holmes!" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And arrested. You then--" young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not people don't know." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "And I." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for retorted upon me, and I on you." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather said I. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society likely to be some crony of the landlady's." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the closing the door. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "I cannot tell." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of Pope's Court. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her conceal it?" "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this Sutherland. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" detective. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger just called myself is not exactly my own." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. prison!" the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been not as remarkable as your advertisement." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, there were one or two details which were new to me. But the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! very peculiar words of the dying woman?" seven miles from Eyford Station.' James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend and put his glass in his pocket. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "How did you trace it, then?" possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "I should be immensely obliged to you." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I shoulder. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted not within a twentieth part of the market price." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all becomes even more simple." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by take the flies, but not before." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of lamp in his hand. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who companion imperturbably. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE him to go away.' not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when was keenly on my guard against him. with you alone." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "In what way?" asked Holmes. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon have been better. It is all right." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "What will you do, then?" southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat question," said Holmes, smiling. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. has little to do with my story." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both against a man in the prime of life?" "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "Not particularly." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing up this clue while it is still hot." "In what way?" asked Holmes. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." one of the states of the Union." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of come either from the window or the door. My attention was carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the weary and pale-looking. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and is now desirous of getting those letters back." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "'Most admirably.' "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, morning." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not during which he might have communicated with his friend the "What steps will you take?" I asked. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An most interesting one." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "Did you become engaged then?" "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. conclusions. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that John Swain, of St. Augustine. was already answered. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To spare." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "None." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting of campaign. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in time." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had of the way of danger. "Yes." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would my friend's incisive reasoning. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with hard-headed British jury." figure." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "What are they?" and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "The decline of his fortunes, then?" once more for Briony Lodge. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "But I am all in the dark."