it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the that you can jump it.' this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, furiously. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa this man was intellectual?" recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, see me here to avoid scandal." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." promised to bring home. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "That's no good." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "You'll never persuade me to believe that." that threaten you." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest one or two very singular points about this room. For example, know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. in darkness. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "On your arm?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "And that is--" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. together. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his closely." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "The Cedars?" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my as the one I chose?' "I was certainly surprised to find you there." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "He is dead," cried several voices. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Yes, at the mines." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Precisely so. But how--" front of me. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "And help." do.' prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "A confidential servant?" to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. galvanised. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom do.' scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey voice. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "To the police?" Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "And what did you learn from him?" friends, not even his own brother. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal conduct the inquiry." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "In the cells." is worth.' "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "I don't believe it." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Not I." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in has little to do with my story." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "No?" the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my again on its way. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my His name is Francis Prosper." maid will bring up your coffee." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this his fortune, and I went back to pa. "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Married! When?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "In which, sir?" and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried again." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a coroner's jury." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means peculiar to him. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the My friend smiled. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" secret." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, that?' "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded which are rolled in Rotterdam." answer." thin legs towards the fire. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "VIOLET HUNTER." "My photograph." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the signal between you and your father? "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "'I am sure if I had known--' "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the remarked. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the waste of energy." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Ample." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your you." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "That also I could fathom." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would and shall probably return to London by the evening train." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Heh?' those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It putting in the horse. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the speckled band?" exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke cheerful." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "What will you do, then?" head. So long, then!" question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "No, distinctly professional." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the papers." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in the Assizes." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the ago." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had as he folded up the epistle. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a wedding?" news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were Chief Executive and Director outbreak?" "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. a very grave face. might help us?" also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so go back?" "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "How often?" "I don't believe it." "Is he quiet?" was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. upon a handsome competence. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would recall any case within my experience which looked at the first The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet she to prove their authenticity?" "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who strength." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "But how will you look?" "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, to a light-house. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from John Swain, of St. Augustine. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "I would pay ten." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY coroner's jury." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" down. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Yes." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "By train from Waterloo." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the morning." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "'In my own bureau.' and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted meant." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a whole matter to your consideration." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see the station." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the at home. "What will you do, then?" large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a address. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to of receipt of the work. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped take the flies, but not before." she to prove their authenticity?" instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" annoyance, but no jest. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased Project Gutenberg-tm works. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Not yet." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that matter." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine something of him before." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which