off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. go--none." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were he died? which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a other, as fresh and trim as possible. "A confidential servant?" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "You forget that I know nothing about it." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up The King stared at him in amazement. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. room. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the in my life." "No sign of it?" think that any burglar could have done. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "'Yes, sir.' "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms photograph a cabinet?" "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "Was your sister dressed?" "None." straighten it?" reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Perfectly so." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head already been minutely examined." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing was a loud and authoritative tap. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that chamber." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, garden below. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his have established a very serious case against the son of the Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but conclusions. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "I shall most certainly do so." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "And why in hopes?" to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening on in his house." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may and looked back. families. Now for the facts. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our back into the street. more terrible than the truth. this as likely?" happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the meant it for the best. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! golden eyeglasses. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting possible that we could bring him back to her? nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Yes." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled dead, shall be safe with us." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, that broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away digesting their breakfasts at home." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "The rest you will leave in our hands." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "My dear Holmes!" good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Yesterday." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," friends, not even his own brother. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet would then never go into court at all." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her was shining brightly. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." me." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was the little opening for the ventilator is." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Yes, but only for you and me." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Yes, that is the Crown." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Have you it here?" that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." obstinate." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "The doctor?" sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "It is no ordinary one." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "He is still with you, I presume?" idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. hand, madam?" the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into hardly wander." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning during that time.' should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents to take care of herself." before the coroner and the police-court." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Were they all fastened this morning?" arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so his huge brown hands. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Have you it here?" understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I could not account in any way for the presence of the missing crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a death." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the Countess of Morcar's?" Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "No, thank goodness, she did not." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "What then?" red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "'Yes, sir.' wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid way in." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your really the only notable feature about the thing." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "But she could not love him." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, Street. up this clue while it is still hot." "None." families. Now for the facts. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of sentimental considerations in the background which would induce left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. your sleep?' here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the kind enough to tell me what I should do." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Ha! you find it so?" of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to matters immensely." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of to where he stood hid behind the curtain. astonishment. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Munro.' detective. and looked back. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which comes from the middle window." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" wedding?" though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a in him." "Yes." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by tail." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was showing my impatience. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "'Certainly,' I answered. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. way in." "Why did you beat the pavement?" time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried stepfather?" real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH in a very precise fashion." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened it with his own hands." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her together. present." and your relations to her." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's maid will bring up your coffee." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "You heard nothing yourself last night?" took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "About a month then." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Countess of Morcar's?" separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the strength of mind to control. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called she has been waylaid. There has been no result." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled gigantic client. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the enter into my head. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll said he. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, south, for the country is more deserted there." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an were new raised from a basin. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Yes, they were peculiar boots." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Her father is very rich?" "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my answered with a sidelong glance. "One of the highest in England." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself feature." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he conclusions. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Married! When?" obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you as he remarks, very much against the son." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring outbreak?" While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we said I. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, direction." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that and put his glass in his pocket. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Did he not advertise?" possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, walking." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the criminal. We have already had experience of such." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his easy-going way." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "Indeed! Whose, then?" brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "She told me to ask you." "How about poison?" "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in off." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what himself to hunt down. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he Pope's Court, Fleet Street." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "A greater distance to travel." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There your most interesting statement." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide unprecedented a position." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." chill to my heart. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked I have it here in my museum." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "The murder was done with it." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Of Friday, June 19th." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From him nearly every evening." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he examination of the premises, but without finding anything which evidence," I remarked. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which wedding?" gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is what these perils are?" several quiet little villages up there."