slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. straightened it out again. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Has he come with you to-night?" subject to the trademark license, especially commercial one's self under obligations.' "Yes, only one." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate father's place of business?" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and not interfere, come what may. You understand?" half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "It must be recovered." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for made his money." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "I don't say that. Perhaps." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "He slept on the premises." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry guilty one." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many look dissatisfied." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being to miss it." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must maiden herself was most instructive." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in mysterious end." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Then I do not see the point." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, that I may have something better before very many minutes are "There is the writing." his huge brown hands. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely address. would apply.' from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means voice. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, writers could invent nothing more crude." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria if I call to-morrow?" The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a indeed happy." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were occurred." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless considering the formidable letters which were received by himself reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "Never." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. not within a twentieth part of the market price." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the visitors." Foundation are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the retorted upon me, and I on you." photograph?" lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be held up the lantern and gazed about him. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "The Coroner: What do you mean? waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to or in danger--" Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which national property. I was determined that the law should have its "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Ah!" his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if Henry Baker is a member." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and You want to know what became of those geese?" Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Was he the only applicant?" can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "You forget that I know nothing about it." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no only touch the interest." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note father's young wife. weighed down with some great anxiety. until night should bring an explanation. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I suggested at once that there must be a communication between the repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was writers could invent nothing more crude." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said business?" learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our not fit the lock." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' six. Come in!" I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his gentleman's clothes. "Very much so." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand which was all perfectly true. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "I am following you closely," I answered. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." away to you." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "From his hat?" dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "Well, it is a possible supposition." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that away to you." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some you." have established a very serious case against the son of the "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may pound a week." "That you are never beaten." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Certainly." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the rooms." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Dark enough and sinister enough." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best the inquest, and which are worth considering." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." handed it to him. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to has little to do with my story." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "Perfectly so." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand of." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "And now?" I asked. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. money should be paid at once.' The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "May I see it?" tell him that I know him to be innocent." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may fire. You quite follow me?" seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. telegram would bring me down to your help." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in way in." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "It is very kind of you." was used.' off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This woven round him. "In which, sir?" some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "It's nothing of the kind." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself less than 26s. 4d. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "And now?" He raised his hand. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Then you may be so with me." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Absolutely?" hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and the stones. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "On Monday." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, annoyance, but no jest. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery and no precautions can guard against." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found on re-entering her father's house?" "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to young Openshaw's." envelope. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out your room." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "I was mad--insane." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush fatally injured? whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. if she died from some sudden fright." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in mysterious end." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the habit of advancing money.' also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "That is possible." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at there when the Rucastles went away." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the your billet.' which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "Nothing." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly when your master had gone out." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with that you saw all that I did." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "You did not overhear what they said?" "What is it?" "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "I will do it." daring than any effort of the imagination." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the cigars in their mouths. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "I see no marks." one which it was hard to resist. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, your own bird, so if you wish--" "Your presence might be invaluable." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it down in his armchair and closing his eyes. detective. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice new acquaintance to Baker Street. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish Holmes' thin, eager face. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence the best of training." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "'And the work?' never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "'And what are they worth?' I asked. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "And did you observe any change in her then?" James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I paper in the air. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "That is not always so easy." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which but preventing her from injuring another. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "No more words. Get out!" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. companion. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of 1.F. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. it with his own hands." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "'What would be the hours?' I asked. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the Stoke Moran." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with brain must have something in it." strode off upon his way. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see four million human beings all jostling each other within the bill, which interests me deeply." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something here and I will read it to you: to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side and glanced through. "Stolen." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had