I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite fact, we may call it conclusive." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the because she had spent so short a time in this country that she opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the that firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, you." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a perplexity from it to my illustrious client. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent other lovers by making love himself." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in or in danger--" few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the matter." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "I cannot imagine." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "None." "Precisely." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds if she died from some sudden fright." "'Never,' said I. down. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "It certainly sounds feasible." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "The best possible." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind guilty parties." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "I will, Miss Turner." delirious. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of the bed, and you in that chair." yards of it?' offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should likely to be some crony of the landlady's." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a you." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the forecastle of an emigrant ship. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the pound a week." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my shoulder; "he's all right." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "On Monday." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' laugh and put his lips to my ear. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "You heard nothing yourself last night?" my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Yes, that is the Crown." which was all perfectly true. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "That is not always so easy." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Pray continue your narrative." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Your presence might be invaluable." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of be there in time for your coming." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, them?" shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or miles off. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" fait accompli?" behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I room?" any more." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be gone. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may standing smiling on the door-step. His smile broadened. good for you to do.' quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him I nodded to show that I had heard. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy o'clock is it?" dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "You know me, then?" walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the God! What an exposure! What can I do?" above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "What can you not understand?" was a loud and authoritative tap. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De along the entire front of the house, with three long windows of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about ordinary clothes on?" at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "The Coroner: What do you mean? conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if gone. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." amused." and put his glass in his pocket. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "And why?" again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand his huge brown hands. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Well, some hundreds of times." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, me, and I could not think that his explanation of the simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each of the vacancies.' "One of his hands." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "But his lameness?" "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of miles off. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "So I heard. You have him here?" India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence sofa. This way, please!" quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "No, finished." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "I shall most certainly do so." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "I think that I had better go, Holmes." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the father's young wife. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news third from London." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the hour?' Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote most important business. It is probable that he will be away all wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing said he. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of me upon any point which I do not make clear." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers weary and pale-looking. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, place of silver." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the companion. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, get the tickets." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "You'll never persuade me to believe that." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "He slept on the premises." "'In my own bureau.' mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." What do you deduce from it?" Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first emerged. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' the coronet in his hand?" Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss the child." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "What?" out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem husband's writing, madam." tension within him. particular state visit http://pglaf.org eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. official police." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "But your client--" murdered man." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, very old mansion. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "But you can know nothing of this?" process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. cigars in the box." "It was an hour's good drive." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once manager. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the call for protection in the marriage market, for the present 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. it." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Very murderous indeed." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the swore that no one else had been in the front room during the out of this horrible affair." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to the very morning of the wedding." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face becomes even more simple." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? to-morrow." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that at a side door. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving to change my dress. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had lectures into a series of tales." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than dramatic, in fact." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "About a month then." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is make me his representative both with the servants and with the me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of Holmes. upon the shelf for the interim." "Thank you. Pray proceed." really the only notable feature about the thing." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat not, dad?" she asked. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his said he, "my real name is James Ryder." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, details." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "But how will you look?" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "It is his hat." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "'Which dealer's?' half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend which our visitor detailed to us. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in voice, changing her seat as requested. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all to-night." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a young Openshaw's." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "What have you to say now?" "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' province." digesting their breakfasts at home." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the once more for Briony Lodge. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their to talk it over. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to the so-precious time, but come!' great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Yes." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts will he say when he returns?" of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "I think that it is very probable." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless a very grave face. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "My stepfather's business papers." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before I am not easy in my mind about them." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of least a most suspicious remark." "By all means." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that side. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most derbies." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned you in your example." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "What! a murderous attack?" They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "What, then?" Serpentine Avenue. nothing of it?" round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "How are you getting on?" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "Of what?" woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Yes, at the mines." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every six. Come in!" say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's made his money." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while less than 26s. 4d. "How on earth--" Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which