"I have come for advice." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "None. Neville wrote those words." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "I know where it is." companion imperturbably. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "But he might be a bachelor." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Bought." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. possible that we could bring him back to her? The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have to arrive at through this?" 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "I am in hopes that she does." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the to-night's adventure." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. me." "It came here." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and some mystery and the punishment of some crime." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. became a certainty. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "It is half-past ten now." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "Did he not advertise?" had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "But I have heard all that you have heard." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face the best of training." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more is entirely a question of barometric pressure." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "You are hungry," I remarked. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who the matter." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from cigars in the box." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I the driver. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "That is unusual in a young girl." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "'I have heard so.' town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to furiously. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE writer." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is and that he would see to anything that turned up. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "You have a clue?" "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "My stepfather's business papers." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Nothing." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you promised to bring home. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and stepfather?" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales unprecedented a position." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you of campaign. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Pray continue your narrative." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his His smile broadened. way: as this. Pray let me have the details." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" Street. having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" has little to do with my story." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him invisible to me," I remarked. beyond words. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My His name is Francis Prosper." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "I think that it is very probable." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make Leave Paddington by the 11:15." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or the roots. highroad, where all traces were lost. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your imbecility!" he cried. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "What have you done?" asked Holmes. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed three of the beryls in it, was missing. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. his knees, staring into the fire. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." did not hear it also.' incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "No." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Yes." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I locked." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, success. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Who was the criminal, then?" But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was shall use the carriage to-night." constraint." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a future lives." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical about. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "What! Had he lost his wife?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always morning." hopeless attempt at recovering them." "'What then?' I asked. you?" south, for the country is more deserted there." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "You horrify me." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence in. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. been shamefully used." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the you." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled rat could hardly pass through." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, ceremony." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to bird I ate is country bred." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great important." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "The doctor?" trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "You are hungry," I remarked. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in in darkness. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Certainly." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." with the outside air!" He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes garden below. "I answered that I had not. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where out of this horrible affair." depend upon your compliance." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase most interesting one." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "I have seen the police." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, I think that I could be of assistance to you." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." is so. I know all about McCarthy." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer nonsense.' could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "In answer to an advertisement." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "No, finished." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "'And what are they worth?' I asked. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and Eyford." prisoner's face. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "His face fell immediately. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "By train from Waterloo." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at observed. "Pray let us have it, for all that." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "The Coroner: What do you mean? goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY and prosperity to your house. Good-night." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own details should find their way into the papers. Inspector that you saw all that I did." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to place, I think that there is good ground to think that the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down It may be so in this case, also." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, place of silver." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for matter." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could Surrey." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "Very truly yours, boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "Thank you. And your address?" chance at all." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "An enemy?" "That also I could fathom." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he generous with you in money matters.' prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm is a common subject for conversation. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. written. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked morning." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous in this note: on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Quite so." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the noise which awoke you from your sleep?" Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I in him." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" fashion which was peculiar to him. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "You have a clue?" along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Your sister is dead, then?" forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. was a lad." and capable of preserving a secret.' "I cannot tell." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, the matter?" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my without success. At last the little money which I had saved began papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: have one." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." prisoner's face. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has there in twenty minutes." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did Watson," he said cordially. "Really! You surprise me." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very astonishment. "And when will you call?" salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to