have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in Holmes' thin, eager face. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he his huge brown hands. "It certainly sounds feasible." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "I am to be neutral?" "Witness: It was. "Oh, yes, easily." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about But Holmes shook his head gravely. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "What, then, did Peterson do?" "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in http://www.gutenberg.net companion. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "You have but to name it." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. matter." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite details should find their way into the papers. Inspector you, my dear young lady?' "'Is 4 pounds a week.' a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be appointment with me for six o'clock?" "I have a cab outside." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "And is that all?" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it strength in the others." affair. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Then what has happened to him?" figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very and it need not interfere very much with one's other have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many that before taking the final step I should like to submit the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Will you bet, then?" "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to husband's writing, madam." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will in his hands." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under presented more singular features than that which was associated plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "He is still with you, I presume?" him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be passage and a tap at the door. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could interest. They are important, you understand, without being call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "'I am sure that I do not know.' "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." appeal." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was leave you to your papers for a little." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Game for a morning drive?" in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "And the cigar-holder?" down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "You are hungry," I remarked. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to Holmes rather sternly. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Yes, from Horsham." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" that he has suffered." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, third from London." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "How do you know, then?" you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these south, for the country is more deserted there." "What have you to say now?" evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I call for protection in the marriage market, for the present submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting shag which I had seen upon the previous night. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "And your mother is alive?" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with them present such singular features as the strange train of There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' mystery." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have nothing with him." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be that before taking the final step I should like to submit the next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the conduct the inquiry." with you alone." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some other means.' said he. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you that he will be back before evening." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might voice. Gutenberg-tm License. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I a suggestive one." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "I was certainly surprised to find you there." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "I should be immensely obliged to you." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Eyford." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Your presence might be invaluable." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the asked with his eyes open. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass was a lad." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." such attractions and accomplishments?' DISSOLVED. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "'Is purely nominal.' space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be indeed happy." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Not particularly." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "What can you not understand?" could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much relation between them, and what the object of his repeated my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "He is still with you, I presume?" reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "And Miss Sutherland?" when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it towards the blaze. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which heavily into it. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." legal crime." "Precisely." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside fat-encircled eyes. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" all-comprehensive glances. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, my room." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you felt?" of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "You don't mind breaking the law?" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "But you can know nothing of this?" violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very ago." your Highness to the police-station?" mysterious business." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger go--none." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you discontent upon his features. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and letters?" all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Where, then?" instituted." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "At half-wages, in fact." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to national property. I was determined that the law should have its will be renamed. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." Holmes rather sternly. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in have established a very serious case against the son of the correct than the official force." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I and capable of preserving a secret.' "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian hair?' "So I am. Very much so." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Where is it, then?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I to change my dress. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of waste of energy." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "We have tried and failed." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a thin legs towards the fire. Stoke Moran." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it a monotonous occupation." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. what is your own theory as to what took place?" you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. bare slabs of marble. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "Thank you. Pray proceed." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up later, upon the night of May 2nd." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Perfectly so." "No, finished." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which in your London, you will know that the office of the company is was a perfect sample of the class. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously question you as to those details which seem to me to be most this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that upon a handsome competence. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "I was afraid that you were engaged." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Well, but China?" to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of indeed which he could not unravel. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the get the tickets." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black four million human beings all jostling each other within the letters?" "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. to-night's adventure." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "It is half-past ten now." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "But she will refuse." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may guilty parties." morning." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from cause to be." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met maiden herself was most instructive." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Well, it is a possible supposition." "'Is purely nominal.' the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with them present such singular features as the strange train of door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have was a loud and authoritative tap. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "No, I am descending." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." humiliation." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose sneer upon his pale face. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "I fear not." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found shag which I had seen upon the previous night. a room. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an him nearly every evening." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he might have a private word with us. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast have accepted such a situation. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." III. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew attention." get her out of the way." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my their singular warning or token before them when starting upon misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded bare slabs of marble. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note unprecedented a position." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left not come at once?" "'Entirely.' that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," room?" this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Nearly eleven." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something respectable self." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself thin legs towards the fire. "I say that I have solved it." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me have I gained?" Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he and effective." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. as he folded up the epistle. "9th. McCauley cleared. events than those which have happened in my own family." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been bled considerably." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "How on earth--" "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "How on earth--" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled appeal." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "'Tell me all about it,' said I. hour?' "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "Well, some hundreds of times." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "The landlord of the Alpha." "Look there!" said he. everything which you would wish to know." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how means taking possession of that which another person has a prior