sofa. This way, please!" will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "'You doubt its value?' he asked. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Will you go?" "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "I cannot tell." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, respectable self." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be frequently gained my first real insight into the character of and all of them with the keenest interest. held up the lantern and gazed about him. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, obstinate." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "It was." "Not in the least." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a straighten it?" "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in envelope. answer." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting you understand?" had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need Holmes." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of yourselves in at night?" "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an fishes. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect the matter?" weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "'Yes.' overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Then the page we have seen--" and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but he bowed and left the room without another word. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His his eyes and forehead. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between instincts rose up against that laugh. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had forebodings. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "But how?" "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the fattened it expressly for you.' job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "I have come for advice." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "'Very good.' surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "'Never.' Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Yesterday." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and the coronet in his hands?" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, putting in the horse. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob bachelor.' dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Her father is very rich?" written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I to miss it." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the a room. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the status with the IRS. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic questioning and rather startled gaze. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside least a fellow-countryman. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Then I can wait in the next room." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of envelope. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." 'please.'" of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." them present such singular features as the strange train of roused himself from his reverie. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this rat could hardly pass through." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall views." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing man. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society already referred to. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers standing smiling on the door-step. opened the door, and slipped through. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Yes, but only for you and me." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can hands. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such some terrible trap for her." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. as yours." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you himself. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so see me here to avoid scandal." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is Gutenberg-tm License. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; obstinate." dead, shall be safe with us." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to suggested at once that there must be a communication between the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. at my remark. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it his eyes and forehead. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "'Then let me do so?' Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "A confidential servant?" deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is and it need not interfere very much with one's other much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** promised to bring home. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Only as much as we can deduce." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of posted to-day." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special weighed down with some great anxiety. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid so.' "No?" It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we yourselves in at night?" that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than The summons was a brief and urgent one. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Never." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, do.' test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have nothing of it?" "Ample." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "I don't believe it." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire now. It seems that there had been some informality about their the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "No, thank goodness, she did not." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded sooner or later she must fall a victim. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should be sorry for having acted so harshly." is so. I know all about McCarthy." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which absorbing." he died? "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two him!" of Fenchurch Street." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" best detective that ever lived. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to are, I think, all that we need." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "You forget that I know nothing about it." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "No. What a strange idea!" They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Was she in good spirits?" "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we dramatic, in fact." allusion to a rat. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen national property. I was determined that the law should have its "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire goes." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be one's self under obligations.' As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one way: crowd. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me examination of the premises, but without finding anything which I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Perfectly so." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute morning." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. jewels which you have stolen?' "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "To the police?" for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It bell. Holmes whistled. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, companion. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "Holmes, the busybody!" Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg not within a twentieth part of the market price." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "Yes, sir." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a photograph?" hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his Mary, has deserted me." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone country, and eventually married, without anyone having a sake, don't!" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "You will not go there first?" fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "You have it, sir, just as it happened." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable of Mr. Rucastle's." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of roused himself from his reverie. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "I assure you that I am in your hands." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have promised to bring home. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across a little more before I quite committed myself. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "The King of Scandinavia." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so room?" His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but have I gained?" into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of tell him that I know him to be innocent." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, chamber." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle dates and names. the night.' "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his exactly what you advise." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs only touch the interest." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked me. "You horrify me." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in have one." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?"