demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing awkward doing business with an alias." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots something of him before." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Yes, it was twisted." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that them?" against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy be.' "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." three fields round his house, and there he would take his thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "When did she vanish, then?" "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Yes, there are nearly always some there." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a completely overtopped every other consideration that we both year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "You horrify me." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, suspect him." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Pray do so." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "You know me, then?" that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "It certainly sounds feasible." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum tear off another piece?' "But not more so than I to find you." "I cannot tell." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "That is not always so easy." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some detained." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "It certainly sounds feasible." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "'Oh, no.' array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations Pope's Court. indeed which he could not unravel. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel bachelor.' pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from all that?" yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, Edgeware Road. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Pray let us have it, for all that." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "By no means." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Very. But will he see it?" would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to the room while you explain this matter?" went to the Alpha were town bred." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high highroad, where all traces were lost. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to good for you to do.' mystery." see me here to avoid scandal." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit he bowed and left the room without another word. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for your equipment. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "One?" you?" be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." digesting their breakfasts at home." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "The murder was done with it." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had to-night?" I asked. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, himself. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about stammered. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "I am sure." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards mysterious business." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" his eyes and forehead. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments over here." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Where to?" He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Not him." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, The note was undated, and without either signature or address. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event Lestrade of Scotland Yard." hour?' number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at records." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "You have a clue?" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "But your client--" one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." do.' all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "I will, Miss Turner." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with married her." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my only touch the interest." think that any burglar could have done. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "But his lameness?" before the coroner and the police-court." woman." "May I see it?" been able to understand it, in a very few words. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him there was no need for father to know." "Indeed! Whose, then?" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that Holmes. companion quietly. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. three of the beryls in it, was missing. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' look upon these things in a different way." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until the house with me." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, Arthur Conan Doyle train.' "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & the devil!" stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings who was a member of your goose club." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. the devil!" what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "The gentleman I describe." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification prepare for the new role I have to play." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take Dr. Gregory B. Newby "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It Eyford at 11:15.' Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was in this note: for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I of them has the shutters up.' He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I evidence," I remarked. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "It certainly sounds feasible." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I rat could hardly pass through." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "I came to find a friend." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a notes," he said. leaning back in his chair. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental points to suicide?" to his chemical studies. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the answer." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than instituted." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his his cane at the bell-pull. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, conversation I have gathered that they have been married about and laid it on the table. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, of your young ladies.' more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman opportunities to fix the problem. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." the morning and make my own way in the world.' the dangers which encompass me." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Was she in good spirits?" reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "'And what salary do you ask?' Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended rat could hardly pass through." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "Why did you beat the pavement?" attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable time." "He is dead," cried several voices. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "The King of Scandinavia." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest something of him before." But Holmes shook his head gravely. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his I nodded again. bird of prey. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had and I shall be with you presently." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual point our research must commence, and we will begin it by jewels which you have stolen?' where Mr. Fordham shows you.' the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I but preventing her from injuring another. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to late!' get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not hand, madam?" and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be in one or two places in England?' "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and fear." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the pictures, libraries, or plate. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been have an American origin." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very I took the paper from him and read as follows: more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an detained." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "'It is locked up,' I answered. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty him to be an active member of the medical profession." "It is no ordinary one." flock.' right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his the Assizes." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to again on its way. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "What! You do not mean bodies?" remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." you came in." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save strong reason behind." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was than was visible to me." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Yes, certainly." father's place of business?" "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if money should be paid at once.' above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Come in!" said Holmes. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "I would pay ten." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can open." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the telegram would bring me down to your help."