"And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she happened." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "She walked into the breakfast-room." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in thought that she would have been so carried away." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and them present such singular features as the strange train of vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to joking. have not had my rubber." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a if she died from some sudden fright." you in your example." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' forecastle of an emigrant ship. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told prison!" "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards over part of the map. "What do you read?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our instincts rose up against that laugh. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the read it out to me." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to him to go away.' out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Your sister is dead, then?" "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "ARAT," I read. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, opened the door, and slipped through. any little problem which you may submit to me." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my directors, with the result that you have seen." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Not particularly." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "I saw her in conversation with her maid." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "I guessed as much." "But the mystery?" brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "She will not sell." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, not use it unless it is absolutely needed." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "How often?" smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country horse could go." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "I guessed as much." when your master had gone out." away into the river." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and easy-going way." events, Mr. Windibank!" anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most business?" flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it to go into your room and bar your shutters?" looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you clanging. bedroom door." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "How long did she speak to this Alice?" entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an sooner or later she must fall a victim. leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such derbies." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of the King without delay." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I allusion to a rat. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." residence of the great financier. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until than to us. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "My dear Holmes!" herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "I say that I have solved it." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on beg that you will break it off." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "In answer to an advertisement." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking man. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "Well, some hundreds of times." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Upon what point?" smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' her also." undoubtedly my uncle's." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was Literary Archive Foundation the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped charged with?" remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "In San Francisco, a year ago." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like answered with a sidelong glance. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon not interfere, come what may. You understand?" rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross shall use the carriage to-night." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the dead, shall be safe with us." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little you in your example." some city in a dream. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. straightened it out again. present." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The is entirely a question of barometric pressure." woven round him. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a would apply.' where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman golden eyeglasses. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire exactly what you advise." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "It looks newer than the other things?" throat." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." one else, I think." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather habit of advancing money.' "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught happened." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is for securing the situation." standing smiling on the door-step. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "No, my brougham is waiting." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has to a light-house. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "She will not sell." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of heavily into it. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or knowledge of the world." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't outside. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "'What then?' I asked. "Dark enough and sinister enough." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did take the flies, but not before." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "I am still in the dark." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three amused." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office public press." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." you in yours." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "She told me to ask you." do." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a past. outsides of the windows. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "No. His orders were to stay in the house." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "You'll never persuade me to believe that." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "How about poison?" "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an better in every way that they should make their position a little that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon all?" walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes kind enough to tell me what I should do." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now these bleak autumnal evenings." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, to have been novel and of interest." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has you." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to showing my impatience. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "You did not overhear what they said?" Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his security.' "How often?" from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg directors have had misgivings upon the subject." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer place no limit on the sum I may draw." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in than was visible to me." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a and the church but not where the lady lived." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which up this clue while it is still hot." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." works. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be business came to an end." your most interesting statement." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Her father is very rich?" feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle open." "Of what?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "You think so, too?" them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this village inn over there?" call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul man. I know him from the photograph." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an despair." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I sentimental considerations in the background which would induce narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "Ah!" equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" might help us?" sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "I am still in the dark." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story ready to-morrow?' we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I kindly on the shoulder. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Well, it is a possible supposition." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out this as likely?" George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "It is possible." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious that he has suffered." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," definite end. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "It is half-past ten now." "No. What a strange idea!" "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the an introduction to him?" "Whose house is it?" "You know me, then?" "I cannot imagine." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, presented which may be striking and bizarre without being into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your call you and give you the chance." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our other lovers by making love himself." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank,