"Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and certainly not very gracious." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and three of the beryls in it, was missing. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "But what harm can there be in that?" towards the blaze. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong ready to-morrow?' can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "I will try. What is it?" strength in the others." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "A call for help, you thought?" London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my straighten it?" papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "I shall be delighted." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best would apply.' the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but at once, for I have only half an hour." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went the coronet in his hand?" that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Well, but China?" take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel he died? and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "That is not always so easy." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the case-book, which he consulted. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. jewels which you have stolen?' set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "That is not always so easy." see a sister of mine apply for." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "A confidential servant?" "No good news?" "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and lamp. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, papers must be those that are destroyed.' where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "She showed me, as I told you she would." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and system of imprisonment?" little adventures." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. and that he would see to anything that turned up. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in to talk it over. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I to tackle the facts." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." have been better. It is all right." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "10th. John Swain cleared. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" so far?" should be taken.' a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "By no means." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some during that time.' "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Here?" "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with are windows in it, of course?" Foundation "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of you." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." beg that you will break it off." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth conversation I have gathered that they have been married about felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see seven miles from Eyford Station.' or other trace. But how on earth--" of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun my special province." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, shall not find me ungrateful." until night should bring an explanation. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "But how could you guess what the motive was?" you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! enough to aid us in our search." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through spare." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "It was." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and jewels which you have stolen?' anything to do with the matter?" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "And leave your case unfinished?" step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have you?' until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. think you a quite exceptional woman." "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have manager. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a is worth.' ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I Eyford." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Very murderous indeed." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered and it need not interfere very much with one's other all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of again, where I was soon asleep. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the problems help me to do so." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "And the murderer?" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said case before our client came into the room." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and Holmes' thin, eager face. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "Very well, sir. And this stone?" in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his feature." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the system of imprisonment?" of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from annoyance, but no jest. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." of Mr. Rucastle's." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow in the dead of the night?' hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' together. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so question you as to those details which seem to me to be most will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin for securing the situation." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what against a man in the prime of life?" and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, I think that I could be of assistance to you." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had Holmes rather sternly. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the important." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him door?" the bed, and you in that chair." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." on re-entering her father's house?" "Indeed! Whose, then?" double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his with some details as to your case." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter place no limit on the sum I may draw." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "How about poison?" man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, carpenter." "None." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." breakfast." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own the night.' disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "'Is purely nominal.' "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB knowledge of the world." "Then I shall certainly come." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do and your relations to her." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I fish-monger and a tide-waiter." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Nothing." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Yes. He waved his hands." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "But I am all in the dark." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which national property. I was determined that the law should have its call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "What is it, then--a fire?" To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "You forget that I know nothing about it." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side crowd. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. to a light-house. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I of it with the greatest attention. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "How on earth--" with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it use an arc-and-compass breastpin." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to of Fenchurch Street." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "What then?" "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did His smile broadened. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Quite so. She has her freedom." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "No." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "You have compromised yourself seriously." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "The best possible." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his nights." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are will not take me long to tell. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, seen the man in the road." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. 1.E.9. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of rose-bushes. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet