The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' presented which may be striking and bizarre without being I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." peculiar to him. "My dear Holmes!" charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was coat-tails." south, for the country is more deserted there." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "'You cannot say what it was?' "'And the work?' "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a pound a week." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring someone who had been in Australia." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to the armchair which I pushed forward for him. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been charge against him will break down." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful said Mr. Holder. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the Street. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked purpose of examination. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. the loss of it. The summons was a brief and urgent one. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Just look it up, then." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right down from London to inquire more deeply into it." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have have got?" "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so page at http://pglaf.org intrusion of other matters." "That is it on the dressing-table." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her written. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The with frightened eyes at his accuser. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you *** START: FULL LICENSE *** dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the entirely devoid of interest." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "And who is her maid?" and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Very truly yours, "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. his grey eyes. "It is his hat." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the morning." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken passage and a tap at the door. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to acquaintance?" insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He with some details as to your case." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "The doctor?" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "This concluded the examination of the witness." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not maid will bring up your coffee." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but room?" upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the were wasted." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "How on earth--" of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "But how?" cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Of what?" finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "The rest you will leave in our hands." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for late." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his dear old homesteads?" "It was an hour's good drive." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon all?" helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was indeed which he could not unravel. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six through." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the redistribution. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, crowd. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Where did you address your letters, then?" Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" burst into a hearty fit of laughter. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old himself. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "And did you observe any change in her then?" As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his the station." himself to tell his story. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when do.' upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, from you?" "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the maiden herself was most instructive." giving me time to thank him. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Then, as to money?" uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. entirely lost his self-respect." that threaten you." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "At half-wages, in fact." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "It may not come to that," said Holmes. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit obstinate." "Yes, the wine-cellar." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up was lame." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as persecution?" a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Ah!" unkempt, staring out at me. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Certainly." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Where, then?" used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Where did you address your letters, then?" for securing the situation." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "In what way?" asked Holmes. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Game for a morning drive?" question," said Holmes, smiling. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "Did you become engaged then?" parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. that "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it this as likely?" crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is noting anything else of interest. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative conduct the inquiry." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Witness: It was. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Her father is very rich?" and the colonel ushered me in. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Yes, the wine-cellar." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and soul! here is her carriage at the door." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To all?" believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders opened the door, and slipped through. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a situation." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the the general public were present, then?" cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of strength." address. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his drove away. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." was it brought him the coronet? "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "About a month then." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "My private note-paper." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, wedding?" About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and said he. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" Holmes' face clouded over. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some charge against him will break down." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of it." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "'Certainly not. But why?' "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had thought that she would have been so carried away." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there the ceiling. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Pray let us have it, for all that." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right something of him before." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something and prosperity to your house. Good-night." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the chance at all." "I will get her to show me." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a yet." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "I cannot think." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for page at http://pglaf.org present." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your once more on the important position which you have been fortunate his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." what these perils are?" "I have solved it." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Why did you pick him?" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." the dangers which encompass me." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very are, I think, all that we need." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his was feeling which was the fattest.' address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Then how many are there?" "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can exactly what you advise." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" hands. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "None. Neville wrote those words." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have Holmes' thin, eager face. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His extraordinary contortions. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up to go into your room and bar your shutters?" round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "It is true that I have been generally successful." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check bare slabs of marble. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a never came back." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Stolen, then." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Precisely so. But how--" urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for there when the Rucastles went away." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." McCarthy." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is persecution?" "'I am sure if I had known--' uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in definite end. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, train.' have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom."