electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to round with crates and massive boxes. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's have had none more fantastic than this." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking country, and eventually married, without anyone having a your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she asked. closing the door. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." in one or two places in England?' "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady out of this horrible affair." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking business at Coburg Square is serious." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "She told me to ask you." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a was lame." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." as noiselessly as she had come. "How did you trace it, then?" be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in when you have done it." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a in the dead of the night?' the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, London for the present?" opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a rat could hardly pass through." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he direction." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' to where he stood hid behind the curtain. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "My Mary? Impossible!" Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for certainly do as you advise." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the fuss that is made over them." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a the side-table." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "No, I had a dozen." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Upon what point?" planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Well, it is a possible supposition." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small corner of the building. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Precisely." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from drawing your inferences." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which go--none." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! husband's writing, madam." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which felt the room to be a little close.' the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. important." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "But who is he?" five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "'You cannot say what it was?' "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. his fortune, and I went back to pa. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and the matter." nights." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the to change my dress. certainly do as you advise." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of views." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. meanly of me." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "You have it, sir, just as it happened." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they I shall continue with my miserable story. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside this Miss Turner." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly me what he had done with the three missing stones. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "The King of Scandinavia." served to weaken the effect. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "ARAT," I read. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a off." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some everything which you would wish to know." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an depend upon your compliance." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Seven!" I answered. are, and they are waiting for us." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The again." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "Do you receive much company?" he asked. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more little trying to do so much typewriting?" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner during which he might have communicated with his friend the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he past. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "How did that help you?" convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending case before our client came into the room." indeed happy." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "The knees of his trousers." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a upon the white wrist. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to with the outside air!" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San a room. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "I am armed." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present meant it for the best. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events careless servant girl?" together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "How did he come?" lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never in the dead of the night?' completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the ventilator." to-night?' summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home his forehead." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." this unhappy family?" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building Young McCarthy must be got off, however." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking the south-west, I see." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had vague figure huddled up in the darkness. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "To an English lawyer named Norton." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not hurried away. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Always." them, and came down just as you departed. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop country, and eventually married, without anyone having a Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to new acquaintance to Baker Street. letters?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Heh?' high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two relation between them, and what the object of his repeated arrangements." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was who was a member of your goose club." pierced for earrings?" question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "I fear not." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend that threaten you." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised secret." upon an income of about 60 pounds." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie here and I will read it to you: right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Yes." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged relation between them, and what the object of his repeated A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "It is very kind of you." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Yes, it was twisted." this remarkable episode. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen in darkness. "And did you observe any change in her then?" drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" indeed which he could not unravel. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. paper in the air. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm be.' out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 happened." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the was already answered. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Yes, there are nearly always some there." bill, which interests me deeply." "I never have." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "What then?" "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Ah, but I was recommended to you." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as my room." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." Watson," he said cordially. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "No. What a strange idea!" "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Certainly, madam." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "What, then?" closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "It is possible." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "'Is 4 pounds a week.' be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs awaited us upon the table. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it young Openshaw's." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, congenial hunt. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Precisely so. But how--" she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, with you?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "By no means." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "My Mary? Impossible!" a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to and looked back. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but Farm upon the left." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom you in yours." system of imprisonment?" "No good news?" London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that his grey eyes. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the and put his glass in his pocket. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to points in connection with it which never have been, and probably instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the