1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these pierced for earrings?" keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to despair." "What will you say?" police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from of receipt of the work. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." clanging. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our details." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens Again Holmes raved in the air. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our brain must have something in it." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my there when the Rucastles went away." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "In answer to an advertisement." meant it for the best. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness already referred to. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined out of this horrible affair." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to minor matters until to-morrow." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very sofa. This way, please!" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in where we are going." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "By train from Waterloo." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but must be when I saw the door open.' She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch before the coroner and the police-court." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his mystery." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I with some details as to your case." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him so far?" to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly bachelor.' for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Precisely." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. Street. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have in your London, you will know that the office of the company is should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble to Leatherhead. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Yes?" It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy guilty parties." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant the coroner come to?" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and his face which made him a very different person to the round, "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the you." "Entirely." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Just look it up, then." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' photograph?" certainly not very gracious." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Never." the stones. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will breakfast and whispered something to her husband. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Proceed, then." "Thank you. Pray proceed." drawing your inferences." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "'Oh, no.' silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our there was no need for father to know." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend page at http://pglaf.org "Deserted you?" "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in have one." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "'And what salary do you ask?' It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on without a word or a look. "But your client--" familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and Holmes." note?" is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to open." Street. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him that I can to serve you." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are the coronet at all injured?" "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Have you it here?" I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "What do you make of that, Watson?" matter." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is brain must have something in it." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the fluttered off among the others. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense colour had been driven from his face. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "'Yes, it was gone.' time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the London for the present?" usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to meant." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more and inquire as to the address." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately gbnewby@pglaf.org other lovers by making love himself." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "You are all wrong." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. really the only notable feature about the thing." upon the white wrist. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw 11:15.' daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are wedding?" villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "I will, Miss Turner." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a not fit the lock." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Never." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "No bad?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" questioning and rather startled gaze. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in round and wave him away like that.' was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, all that?" of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; swore that no one else had been in the front room during the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "You know me, then?" "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to will find little credit to be gained out of this case." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." all?" he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the into the bag, and made for the door. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has papers on the sundial.'" the ceiling. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save the tragedy. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's hour?' I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered must compliment you." was shining brightly. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." suddenly upon us." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, you." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy rooms." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not thin legs towards the fire. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should father's place of business?" "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can read over the extraordinary announcement. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this quite distinctive." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, DISSOLVED. towards the blaze. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he what do you think they found in the pockets?" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I Munro.' exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end if only as a check to my own memory." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to if she died from some sudden fright." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now clanging. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In not as remarkable as your advertisement." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was mystery!" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course sit on the left-hand side of the driver." of campaign. Mary, has deserted me." showing my impatience. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "'Then let me do so?' it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "'What do you call purely nominal?' "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Will you go?" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "My last client of the sort was a king." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "No. What a strange idea!" "Yes." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless against a man in the prime of life?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by followed. man. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of disappearance of the bride.'" jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly room had already been engaged for us. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "To the police?" it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the when you have done it." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a