strength of mind to control. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Was she in good spirits?" scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" my little problems." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where was once confined in the cab my mission was practically endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "One?" the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes fasten all the windows?" blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "And how did you find out?" assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Were they all fastened this morning?" had a long day." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well Lestrade of Scotland Yard." gentleman's clothes. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is side. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case advice." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country DISSOLVED. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "'Yes, I promise.' unprecedented a position." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "No. What a strange idea!" with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all happened." that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have heavily into it. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court should be so warm over such a trifle." "'Yes, sir.' pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study This is what he says: I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a You want to know what became of those geese?" helping a boy to put up the shutters. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Your sister is dead, then?" his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin his grey eyes. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "My opinion is in no way altered." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and test if we have an answer to our advertisement." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with pierced for earrings?" not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom chamber." question," said Holmes, smiling. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the sound at heart." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "But who is he?" half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head villagers almost as much as their master. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the everything which you would wish to know." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I Dr. Gregory B. Newby comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "And is that all?" with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with bare slabs of marble. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage started for the Temple to see my husband. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "The gentleman I describe." "I cannot tell." not as remarkable as your advertisement." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and drove away. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "My dear Holmes!" with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "A greater distance to travel." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the anything to a woman, for she would have her way." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" with her." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is I approached. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most shag which I had seen upon the previous night. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out is four-and-twenty." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and frequently gained my first real insight into the character of hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. electronic works given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "You think that he is dead?" "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too sake, don't!" he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you may never be exposed to such a temptation." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, him, that man would not have given me such complete information to-night?' rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "'Yes, sir.' his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will business came to an end." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the to some other building. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, arrested. You then--" window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "And I." "No, I am descending." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "And help." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of been." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. constraint." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "'You doubt its value?' he asked. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "But how could you guess what the motive was?" and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. looking up at the numbers of the houses." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity the coronet at all injured?" on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" national property. I was determined that the law should have its Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would writing, and yet I know it well." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an next day. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, The note was undated, and without either signature or address. way in everything. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is manager. place of silver." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very the loss of it. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment as noiselessly as she had come. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." together. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some to tell." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with have established a very serious case against the son of the open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "And when will you call?" feature." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done bachelor.' "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." vault. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and into the room. "Oh, fresh and glossy." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "At half-wages, in fact." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, fatally injured? 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." one's self under obligations.' and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of know all about it," he snarled. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "I am to be neutral?" one else, I think." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "You'll never persuade me to believe that." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "None." whatever might befall. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, dead, shall be safe with us." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "What do you mean?" "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Ample." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported train.' Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a persecution?" There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "I would give my fortune to have them back." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." writers could invent nothing more crude." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There have got?" his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Holmes, the busybody!" stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "The vanishing of the lady." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: quite distinctive." your Highness to the police-station?" my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "My dear Holmes!" fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old eavesdroppers?' legal crime." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "The vanishing of the lady." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." the King without delay." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they of the efforts of the United States government and of the better lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood them?" circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir to you." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." certainly not very gracious." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a again on its way. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "You have but to name it." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, matter." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their answer." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "So I heard. You have him here?" a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged You want to know what became of those geese?" recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this just called myself is not exactly my own." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into Henry Baker is a member." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I tied." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, do." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed this remarkable episode. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently