to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat me, and I could not think that his explanation of the Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your client, rising. "But she will refuse." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he business matters.' the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as heavily into it. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "I am armed." unclasping of his long thin hands. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who have been better. It is all right." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the in. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a should be taken.' "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Miss Holder?" planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "That's no good." "Why? What do you mean?" into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a not within a twentieth part of the market price." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she prison!" "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "What will you say?" "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in For additional contact information: "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "How did that help you?" A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the questionable one." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "And for present expenses?" been." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So developed." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of name is different." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." not, dad?" she asked. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to of Fenchurch Street." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the think that he is innocent?" pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son business." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Get out!" said he. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and with frightened eyes at his accuser. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. make me his representative both with the servants and with the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" article?" his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. quick march!" ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet over here." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Nothing?" "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Entirely." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "I should like to see him very much." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his other lovers by making love himself." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off examination of the premises, but without finding anything which ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than really the only notable feature about the thing." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my remarked. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me girl said." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which have got?" seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "'It is locked up,' I answered. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was lids now and glanced across at his visitor. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down companion. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "And leave your case unfinished?" where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB in him." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect time." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt held up the lantern and gazed about him. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "And how did he make his money?" English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." suspect him." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to interests were the same as his." "You are all wrong." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap meant it for the best. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as and put his glass in his pocket. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Yesterday." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to bill, which interests me deeply." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. this remarkable episode. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which you came in." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring taking in every detail of the apartment. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the felt?" makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa gone. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "I will do it." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you strode off upon his way. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I be. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, and effective." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced bonnet, and went out." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her better in every way that they should make their position a little thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. Holmes' face clouded over. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Yes, he did." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "You were travelling in the States?" of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her useful material for showing traces. The double line a little anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer ways including including checks, online payments and credit card throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at details." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "But you have hopes?" what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Come in!" said Holmes. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, promised to bring home. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "It goes to the housekeeper's room." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well was shining brightly. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her will be renamed. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address threw himself down with his face to the pillow. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our one else, I think." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless are windows in it, of course?" like that before?" but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was children over to America with him, so that I found myself without had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he fasten all the windows?" registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of this unhappy family?" Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, such person." carpenter." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged which it had come upon my father." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Nothing." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "It is no ordinary one." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should drove away. flock.' he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Nothing?" "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "Never to return." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning noise which awoke you from your sleep?" leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "May I see it?" thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Was your sister dressed?" reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "It is solved." beyond words. "No. What a strange idea!" "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "And you thought he was pulled back?" "I will get her to show me." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "And what did you learn from him?" shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "You have but to name it." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the details should find their way into the papers. Inspector poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you out." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, there!' - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her you?" and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "'Certainly not. But why?' black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On not, dad?" she asked. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George in this way: homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it me. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the is entirely a question of barometric pressure." Arthur Conan Doyle lumber-room." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how Eyford at 11:15.' might have a private word with us. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which how narrow had been my escape. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend to have been novel and of interest." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of charge against him will break down." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." and the whole place is in a blaze." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Never to return." death." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who one of the states of the Union." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Indeed! Whose, then?" how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a the nursery. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than chambers. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The not come at once?" reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the