was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "And on what day did he meet his death?" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "None." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough bill, which interests me deeply." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "So it appears." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin Holmes' thin, eager face. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to foot. was a loud and authoritative tap. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." ventilator." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating footfalls from the street. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, of this gang." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had and inquire as to the address." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband Holmes' thin, eager face. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be which was all perfectly true. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which stammered. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Oh, fresh and glossy." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "And you don't know his address?" strong and stiff." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall four million human beings all jostling each other within the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. are, and they are waiting for us." "What do you make of that, Watson?" trying to your nerves." companion. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" photograph?" of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "When did she vanish, then?" instituted." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "How are you getting on?" "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." went to the Alpha were town bred." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Not I." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I allusion to a rat. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, should be taken.' pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said shall use the carriage to-night." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "You are hungry," I remarked. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the directly by questioning you." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "It was." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed useful material for showing traces. The double line a little until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend which are rolled in Rotterdam." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "'I shall certainly be there.' "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "I know where it is." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Do you receive much company?" he asked. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much photograph?" course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to what do you think they found in the pockets?" "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "I was afraid that you were engaged." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Foundation "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I posted to-day." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign plantation.' authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing easy-going way." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "No." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "It looks newer than the other things?" Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "It was an hour's good drive." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they lost nothing by them." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to during which he might have communicated with his friend the "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Were they all fastened this morning?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "And the cigar-holder?" if only as a check to my own memory." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "And your father? Did you tell him?" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features had this final quarrel? fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed your sleep?' the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "Then I shall certainly come." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "May I see it?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began really the only notable feature about the thing." digesting their breakfasts at home." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "'Stolen!' he cried. as he folded up the epistle. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is Clair, of Lee." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." business matters.' least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! quite distinctive." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in away to you." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the written. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of wanted for ourselves." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "On your arm?" At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "The doctor?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Nothing." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "'Quite sure, dad.' to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "And how in the world did you find them?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of that you can jump it.' and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the he. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the London for the present?" and it need not interfere very much with one's other which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was galvanised. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "In the cells." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Thank you. And your address?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "I am armed." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make affection." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass said Mr. Holder. think that any burglar could have done. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of look dissatisfied." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even possible that we could bring him back to her? as yours." "How about poison?" "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too persecution?" "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What she has been waylaid. There has been no result." you." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or strong reason behind." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high maid will bring up your coffee." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." joking. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was in this note: plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater Clair, of Lee." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." flock.' danger is over." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith it? Did I buy the geese off you?" basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the is now desirous of getting those letters back." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, that, and I came down." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done and the church but not where the lady lived." in his power. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Nothing." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been himself to hunt down. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "Look there!" said he. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you help us in this matter." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Yes, it was twisted." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "And sit in the dark?" to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "On the contrary, this is the right side." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Never to return." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to I nodded again. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that make me his representative both with the servants and with the seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again had formerly been in part my own. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." knowledge of the world." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "But you can know nothing of this?" The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've writer." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "The Coroner: What do you mean? "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's Cross for the Continent." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because bill, which interests me deeply." hereditary King of Bohemia." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned as he folded up the epistle. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. very morning of my second wedding." three fields round his house, and there he would take his direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square soul! here is her carriage at the door." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "By train from Waterloo." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no man. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have have not had my rubber." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others telegram would bring me down to your help." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "I will try. What is it?" surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography shall not find me ungrateful." article?" nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic may have an influence upon European history." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. affection." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "What then?" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "'Quite sure, dad.' flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked asked with his eyes open. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "'About the same.' woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of promised to bring home. "'What then?' I asked. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "No sign of it?"