card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to will find little credit to be gained out of this case." upon the white wrist. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, green of the new foliage. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "When did she vanish, then?" himself in a perplexing position. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in held up the lantern and gazed about him. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its guilty parties." legal crime." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say For additional contact information: stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use Munro.' could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in Eyford." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man think that any burglar could have done. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to evidence," I remarked. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "I was sure that I might rely on you." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Oh, fresh and glossy." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." go--none." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who the bottom.' came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. be. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Her father is very rich?" station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left ill-usage at the hands of fortune. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than helping a boy to put up the shutters. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Can I be of assistance?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate is worth.' week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "'How far from the body?' gbnewby@pglaf.org "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "I warn you that they are very incomplete." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Only as much as we can deduce." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. matters immensely." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. your co-operation." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to empty. "Not in the least." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil Surrey." strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, that you saw all that I did." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Ten will be early enough." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "That sounds a little paradoxical." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, down. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen there when the Rucastles went away." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, hour." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No business matters.' warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged populous neighbourhood." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back weary and pale-looking. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and of a light. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement disappearance of the bride.'" the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY you want, then?' shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by easy-going way." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by ago." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" the coronet in his hands?" power." "Have you it here?" than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or not, dad?" she asked. and put his glass in his pocket. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Perfectly so." that you wished to speak to me?' creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "She showed me, as I told you she would." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And know what is wrong with it.' and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "What of the rat, then?" retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "What! You do not mean bodies?" it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." enter Dr. Roylott's room." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon sofa. This way, please!" herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and the tragedy. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried the coronet at all injured?" "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Pray be precise as to details," said he. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "The best possible." could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." him, that man would not have given me such complete information ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly it." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more help us in this matter." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "No. What a strange idea!" "The rest you will leave in our hands." trifles." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly pity, because in other respects you would really have done very not as remarkable as your advertisement." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "I guessed as much." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Henry Baker is a member." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "No legal papers or certificates?" "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' from you?" "'And what salary do you ask?' the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "Certainly." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "Absolutely none." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that tell me that you intended to go into harness." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "It goes to the housekeeper's room." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous golden eyeglasses. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Of what day?" from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and Leadenhall Street--and--" Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Have you her photograph?" 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to strange features which were associated with the two crimes which little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the that he will be back before evening." corner of the building. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside married her." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. success. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such forebodings. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "But to whom?" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Very murderous indeed." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about shaken than I had ever seen him. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to row." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It papers diligently of late, have you not?" dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "How can you tell that?" "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we whereabouts. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Then I am your man." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "From his hat?" know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's will find little credit to be gained out of this case." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "But you were on a friendly footing?" home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Did you become engaged then?" it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. direction." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise sneer upon his pale face. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing charged with?" The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "My stepfather's business papers." father's young wife. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to case before our client came into the room." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted been." "None. Neville wrote those words." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my prisoner's face. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a papers on the sundial.'" so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as there were one or two details which were new to me. But the put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of been deceived." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a society." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "What steps will you take?" I asked. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a congratulate you again." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very mysterious end." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of Street. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a drove away. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Where did he live, then?" had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that success. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "But what will you do?" Holmes' thin, eager face. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a