not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk recover the gem." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could It may be so in this case, also." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to This is what he says: groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the frequently gained my first real insight into the character of encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "From his hat?" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, matter." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do business." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "'Never.' ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his you." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if plantation.' of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "But I am all in the dark." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at fishes. too. "I know where it is." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss golden eyeglasses. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have figure." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "Will you bet, then?" furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass on re-entering her father's house?" occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much morning." "Then I do not see the point." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "Yes, sir." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his gigantic client. "There is the writing." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of chance at all." astonishment. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the made his money." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his might help us?" months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, beg that you will break it off." John Swain, of St. Augustine. "But I am all in the dark." clang of the bell. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Yes, but only for you and me." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Yes, I have one waiting." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend trying to your nerves." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. will not take me long to tell. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have some mystery and the punishment of some crime." power." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in because she had spent so short a time in this country that she crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be at once, for I have only half an hour." "How about poison?" lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was threw himself down with his face to the pillow. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, Holmes. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Nothing." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the face and glided from the room. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the keep the flames under. "I answered that I had not. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "And help." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "'Never.' "It was a confession," I ejaculated. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else him and tried to hold him back. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at McCarthy." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "Not in a good cause." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and digesting their breakfasts at home." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges orange pips. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "'What do you call purely nominal?' "'A dozen yards or so.' burst into a hearty fit of laughter. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish investigation." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "'Then let me do so?' "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his to-night." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." not come at once?" had picked up in the wood. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. outside. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem of Fenchurch Street." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got where Mr. Fordham shows you.' possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass once more to my work. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Perfectly so." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was even so self-evident a thing as that." evidence," I remarked. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple prison!" rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. again on its way. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we London for the present?" "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Certainly." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement suspect him." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the the coronet in his hands?" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." I leave." "And how did he make his money?" "So I am. Very much so." in my life." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "'Which dealer's?' "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly some water from a caraffe. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he of it with the greatest attention. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, strange features which were associated with the two crimes which drawing your inferences." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "And why?" remarked. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined what do you think they found in the pockets?" III. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. been." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Did he not advertise?" out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a legal crime." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "How are you getting on?" he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and following enigmatical notices: THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Certainly." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business important." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and triumphant cloud from his cigarette. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in call for protection in the marriage market, for the present judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my prison!" "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "By no means." "Precisely so. But how--" looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and felt?" "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Look there!" said he. "Then I shall certainly come." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have the side-table." husband's writing, madam." maid will bring up your coffee." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as miles off. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of felt the room to be a little close.' in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well you." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "Nor running a chance of arrest?" Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste What do you deduce from it?" He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "You are hungry," I remarked. directly by questioning you." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." how narrow had been my escape. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the cup of tea. "Yes?" to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "To ruin me." the date of his supposed suicide." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Quite so." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "'Ample.' with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "He is dead," cried several voices. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, gbnewby@pglaf.org us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was is now desirous of getting those letters back." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair indiscretion." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able which was all perfectly true. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better might have a private word with us. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide fat-encircled eyes. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked been." to talk it over. "I shall most certainly do so." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down locked." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of how narrow had been my escape. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Not social, then?" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Here?" We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Who by?" "I don't say that. Perhaps." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "'Certainly not.' delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become direction." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind and prosperity to your house. Good-night." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to new acquaintance to Baker Street. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who again on its way. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I that he will be back before evening." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, Stoke Moran." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "I shall be delighted." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad and I shall be with you presently." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and if I call to-morrow?" Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." have had none more fantastic than this." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these strange features which were associated with the two crimes which newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. this as likely?" "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather."