something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, Lestrade of Scotland Yard." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Sutherland?" was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "I don't believe it." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "It is his hat." "And why?" inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Yes, sir." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "But you can know nothing of this?" game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "That is unusual in a young girl." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "It was." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might his huge brown hands. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "'Yes.' here." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the wedding?" showing my impatience. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of enough to aid us in our search." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into returned to France?" left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "You think that he is dead?" her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some few hundred pounds.' and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as happened." bare slabs of marble. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Was the window open?" companion imperturbably. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "I have my revolver," said I. union?" since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." open." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "'Tell me all about it,' said I. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the hand, madam?" here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, both be extremely obliged.' forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We next day. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "You know me, then?" came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very system of imprisonment?" advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "So I have heard." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to remarked. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' have established a very serious case against the son of the the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. empty. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working Miss Holder?" find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a pity, because in other respects you would really have done very and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the garden below. Sutherland?" cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. already been minutely examined." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little of it with the greatest attention. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had pressing in one house as in another. taking in every detail of the apartment. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one of." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Yes, there are nearly always some there." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps begin with, and I had not got mine yet." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some telegram would bring me down to your help." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "To an English lawyer named Norton." had this final quarrel? was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. himself to hunt down. "And I say east," said my patient. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." round and wave him away like that.' twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from ago." His name is Francis Prosper." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying hour." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign families. Now for the facts. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." fasten all the windows?" was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A signal between you and your father? "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Where, then?" pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he tear off another piece?' over his head with a sweet womanly caress. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more awaited us upon the table. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to information in his hands the value of which he did not himself copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while For additional contact information: "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Perhaps we may make them less so." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately keep the flames under. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "You have compromised yourself seriously." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the cigar and let me expound." memory. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped stammered. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Is he quiet?" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" in his hands." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the status with the IRS. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "You heard nothing yourself last night?" neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my upon a handsome competence. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing in the hope of finding them." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "He is dead," cried several voices. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his formed some opinion?" I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "On your arm?" through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. Dr. Gregory B. Newby said he. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." indeed happy." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight bearing upon the case." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now have got?" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Yes." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the companion. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in McCarthy's innocence. "Precisely." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." bled considerably." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, forebodings. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Bought." "And for present expenses?" believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I fattened it expressly for you.' premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a province." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears very peculiar words of the dying woman?" fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we not personally threatened." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in just called myself is not exactly my own." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil it." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without south, for the country is more deserted there." this poor creature." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. have got?" volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From Holmes rather sternly. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been III. any." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled case-book, which he consulted. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged this unhappy family?" connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "The murder was done with it." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' your troubles." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Perhaps I have." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little with the outside air!" stammered. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the directors, with the result that you have seen." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "'Never,' said I. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." ran thus: "You are certainly joking, Holmes." approach us with offers to donate. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "You horrify me!" "It is possible." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is promised to bring home. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "What shall I do?" relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may bonnet, and went out." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "I cannot imagine." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from annoyance, but no jest. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I late!' what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my a good hundred miles off by now." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful you?' it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "May I see it?" very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "You are all wrong." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "You know me, then?" to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide Dr. Gregory B. Newby "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If opportunities to fix the problem. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in man. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and more terrible than the truth. morning." placed his cuttings. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps shall not find me ungrateful." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "'About the same.' have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is formed some opinion?" "One?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. carriage. It was a chestnut." in his hands." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him will not take me long to tell. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose followed. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do records." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love it right.' perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself Eyford at 11:15.' "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with stepfather?" "How did that help you?" beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "That's no good." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I