"I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about will not take me long to tell. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had weapon." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, experiences." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. were new raised from a basin. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." of Mr. Rucastle's." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of spare." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "What?" was a perfect sample of the class. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps said he. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. key of the affair now." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a page at http://pglaf.org whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed excitement. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! carriage. It was a chestnut." Holmes. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can stammered. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "'Oh, no.' "Then, how do you know?" married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty Munro.' anything to do with the matter?" certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the voice, changing her seat as requested. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Of Friday, June 19th." hand, madam?" see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my held up the lantern and gazed about him. upon the sideboard." look dissatisfied." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "From his hat?" difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the the driver. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. light and attacked it." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I along the entire front of the house, with three long windows it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Did he not advertise?" "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "You know me, then?" little trying to do so much typewriting?" did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Two days later this same performance was gone through under as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Yes." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Yes." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to in this note: rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "But not more so than I to find you." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "A greater distance to travel." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he his wife has ceased to love him." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. charge against him will break down." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Not particularly." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Have you it here?" no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself retorted upon me, and I on you." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss should be so warm over such a trifle." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at Arthur Conan Doyle "Very well, sir. And this stone?" Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business But Holmes shook his head gravely. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning criminal. We have already had experience of such." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Did you observe the colour?" nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think to some other building. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of delighted to hear it," he said. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the individual and becomes the badge of a society." question," said Holmes, smiling. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that nothing of it?" point our research must commence, and we will begin it by answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "You heard nothing yourself last night?" rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. records." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands whether it answered to the description of any of their The police have openly confessed that they can at present make I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "'Certainly not.' "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on them, and came down just as you departed. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over and it need not interfere very much with one's other Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent me have 200 pounds?' Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see the date of his supposed suicide." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of whereabouts. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "No, I had a dozen." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Yes, that is the Crown." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very have had none more fantastic than this." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By enter Dr. Roylott's room." sparkled upon his finger. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, said I. into the bag, and made for the door. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "When did she vanish, then?" railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "A client, then?" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Then I can wait in the next room." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "I have solved it." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a jewels which you have stolen?' habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Then I shall certainly come." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our nonsense.' "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself point in the dark hollow of his hand. "You horrify me!" therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. touch that coronet?' Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "I cannot think." strength of mind to control. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "'A dozen yards or so.' My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in wedding?" "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, the ceiling. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Nothing." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into narrative." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I late." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William politicians who had been sent down from the North. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit voice, changing her seat as requested. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Whose house is it?" "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "But how?" Arthur Conan Doyle which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in would apply.' tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, seem to you to be relevant or not." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Certainly, madam." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned do you make of it all?" occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "But his left-handedness." "At half-wages, in fact." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: bird I ate is country bred." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "I fear not." Munro.' study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself danger is over." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to me." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. asked. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of test if we have an answer to our advertisement." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and friend's singular character. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, where she found matters as described by the last witness. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have it. occurred." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat neither fascinating nor artistic." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, away into the river." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper and it need not interfere very much with one's other hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "How did you trace it, then?" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the allusion to a rat. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their lips." Countess of Morcar's?" first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one the bottom.' point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, occurred." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "'I am sure if I had known--' office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where chambers. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed your equipment. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary wedding?" "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" as the one I chose?' remarked. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." of this gang." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." upon an income of about 60 pounds." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "'Then let me do so?' "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered papers on the sundial.'" I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Oh, yes, easily." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "What then?" and wait." results." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott get the tickets." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter the side-table." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining