"He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "The doctor?" ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young purpose of examination. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. the dangers which encompass me." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than gives a meaning to it." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's fact, we may call it conclusive." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "And now?" He raised his hand. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little or in danger--" "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" made him keep the appointment." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "What then?" and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a I nodded to show that I had heard. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to envelope. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Then, how do you know?" town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and desk. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Dark enough and sinister enough." placed his cuttings. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do Leadenhall Street--and--" running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "The murder was done with it." detained." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps digesting their breakfasts at home." it." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the said he. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Yes." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for disappearance of these gems?" There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited showing my impatience. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Never." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my forebodings. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the closing the door. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At you in your example." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from entirely devoid of interest." "'Oh, no.' horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By been with you?" "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and the side-table." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Oh, yes, easily." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all Countess of Morcar's?" "'Yes.' this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the in this note: "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Pray let us have it, for all that." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the friend's singular character. was lame." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at started for the Temple to see my husband. have been better. It is all right." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man only touch the interest." "What!" he roared. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, most important business. It is probable that he will be away all small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I to that open window." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "10th. John Swain cleared. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "Stolen, then." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to are windows in it, of course?" look upon these things in a different way." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and over here." "Quite so." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small arms and began to sob in a high treble key. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY beg that you will break it off." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. http://www.gutenberg.net his eyes and forehead. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, the so-precious time, but come!' "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Nothing." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, keep the flames under. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of despair." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young her also." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler upon the sideboard." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this paper in the air. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At narrative." your most interesting statement." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "At what time?" more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I sit on the left-hand side of the driver." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he business in the City. She little knew what. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside gives a meaning to it." may have an influence upon European history." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that you?" Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who train from Paddington which would bring you there at about the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "Where is it, then?" LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my be. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Have you her photograph?" been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "No, distinctly professional." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be directors have had misgivings upon the subject." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the existence." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and appeal." III. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "'About the same.' "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by Pope's Court, Fleet Street." walking." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "But I have heard all that you have heard." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you October 9, 1890. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close both be extremely obliged.' compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, ceremony." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, returned to France?" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there the window, rose as we entered. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from over here." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than I nodded again. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "What I expected to see." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something notes," he said. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this sentimental considerations in the background which would induce matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "At the wedding breakfast." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a night.' said he. papers." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "It came here." "But what harm can there be in that?" squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "And for present expenses?" "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of some mystery and the punishment of some crime." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Absolutely none." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium works. See paragraph 1.E below. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" fashion which was peculiar to him. the address that was given us in the advertisement. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered American. Then who could this American be, and why should he absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just have had none more fantastic than this." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my companion. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "You heard nothing yourself last night?" rose-bushes. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from them?" "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the from the brougham. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you Count Von Kramm." place no limit on the sum I may draw." feature." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you interested in these little problems, and since you are good than was visible to me." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden sofa. This way, please!" them?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his key turn in the lock." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "No." "Never." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and Eyford at 11:15.' immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "You saw the ventilator, too?" our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Ah!" "Yes." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held that I am arrested." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I she used." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "I have seen the police." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "That's no good." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about is entirely a question of barometric pressure." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "I answered that I had not. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must weapon." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to crime." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in you understand?" "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "Yes, sir." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "Yes." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Ten will be early enough." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even I approached. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. forbidden door. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson murdered man." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down she might be summoned. nonsense.' of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "If so, much may have happened between." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "'Most admirably.' importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do knowledge of the world." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm introspective fashion. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement himself to tell his story. "Come in!" said he. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. laugh and put his lips to my ear. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear views." "It certainly sounds feasible." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "But I am all in the dark." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the said I. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, extraordinary contortions. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which