Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. place no limit on the sum I may draw." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "I think that I had better go, Holmes." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter out of this horrible affair." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the over here." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey room. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the fluttered off among the others. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Do you go out much in society?" and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "I am sure." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it begun to whiten, even as mine has." "No legal papers or certificates?" parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been gone before you can get him to hospital." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. Holmes." than to us. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Yes." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased in the port of London." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in be best to do. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that correct than the official force." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow and I shall be with you presently." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I was feeling which was the fattest.' hour?' 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A like gravel from a pit.' all?" subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said over part of the map. "What do you read?" age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim there has been an enclosure here!" though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Arthur Conan Doyle He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his the roots. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "'What then?' I asked. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which was feeling which was the fattest.' drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the morning." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a shoulder; "he's all right." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "You are certainly joking, Holmes." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Seven!" I answered. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering wanted for ourselves." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was companion quietly. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is name is different." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Where to?" building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "My Mary? Impossible!" enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, could gather together that I was able to avert another public plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain Eyford at 11:15.' business came to an end." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for right! Sit down and let us talk it over." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was there were so many in the whole country as were brought together not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "'I have already given you my word.' It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "VIOLET HUNTER." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to coat-tails." row." "You have compromised yourself seriously." bare slabs of marble. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the waste of energy." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my weapon." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from but preventing her from injuring another. do you make of it all?" stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Do you know him?" him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable trifles." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of that, and I came down." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I all that?" form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable the matter?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between the station." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try happened." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will vanished into the darkness. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is ago." "Witness: It was. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Which surely he restored to their owner?" dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that works. See paragraph 1.E below. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Very. But will he see it?" the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, again on its way. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was himself. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. redistribution. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other burst into a hearty fit of laughter. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and people in all walks of life. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "'Certainly,' I answered. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient a room. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Watson," he said cordially. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "And your mother is alive?" are, I think, all that we need." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand entirely lost his self-respect." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has to arrive at through this?" "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent shag which I had seen upon the previous night. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he himself. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "What do you mean?" "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. have an American origin." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Did you become engaged then?" "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "At the wedding breakfast." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our his huge brown hands. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Where did you address your letters, then?" ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of waste of energy." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the lamp in his hand. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am chance at all." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge It may be so in this case, also." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as allusion to a rat. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which through." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by crime." vanished into the darkness. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "He is dead," cried several voices. "But what is it you wish?" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "I would pay ten." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so come either from the window or the door. My attention was long narrative. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the second." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Will you go?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Certainly." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester strong reason behind." matter over." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point unprecedented a position." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "You have carte blanche." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Witness: I must still refuse. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully Dr. Gregory B. Newby Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and were wasted." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their to go into your room and bar your shutters?" two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been that you can jump it.' meant it for the best. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." extraordinary contortions. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular and shall probably return to London by the evening train." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a for the market.' call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself posted to-day." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its something of him before." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as completely overtopped every other consideration that we both darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon death." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Of what day?" however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed spark where all is dark to me." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Never." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was most interesting one." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside occurred." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "'In my own bureau.' its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" closely." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "My dear Holmes!" did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "A confidential servant?" "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned been able to understand it, in a very few words. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "To ruin me." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all conduct the inquiry." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "10th. John Swain cleared. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and my special province." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right man. "On your arm?" "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all was the fact that his father should, according to his account, in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" train from Paddington which would bring you there at about give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Then I do not see the point." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?"