and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little keep the flames under. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Then, how do you know?" however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "It is a murder, then?" gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and in one or two places in England?' the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making into the room. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual with the outside air!" followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the could not have written that. It is the German who is so few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. rose-bushes. only touch the interest." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the had formerly been in part my own. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond outbreak?" "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried events than those which have happened in my own family." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge wedding?" transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and congenial hunt. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a congenial hunt. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "And I say east," said my patient. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on place no limit on the sum I may draw." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid an introduction to him?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a of Mr. Rucastle's." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "I have a cab outside." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Precisely so. But how--" "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. in his power. within hail.' the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement meant." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in and I shall be with you presently." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Foundation and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from upon the shelf for the interim." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "A greater distance to travel." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his me. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number ashen face. take the flies, but not before." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That his wife has ceased to love him." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my until night should bring an explanation. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "And how in the world did you find them?" so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him she has been waylaid. There has been no result." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "The murder was done with it." despair." with you?" round with crates and massive boxes. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Then the page we have seen--" "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Where did he live, then?" Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a means taking possession of that which another person has a prior he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless upon a handsome competence. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, gentleman's clothes. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "It is solved." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "You think that he is dead?" There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Why serious?" again on its way. "And your mother is alive?" There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a I have it here in my museum." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are sooner or later she must fall a victim. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "I have seen the police." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "You'll never persuade me to believe that." nothing with him." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique a room. woman." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I call you and give you the chance." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "10th. John Swain cleared. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who distance from the station, and there we found the young lady country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments down. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the ventilator." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "We were both in the photograph." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it was lame." this man was intellectual?" might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than Edgeware Road. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend this Miss Turner." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "No. What a strange idea!" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson hardly wander." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Two days later this same performance was gone through under week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for gone. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the to a more successful conclusion." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the character. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw was once confined in the cab my mission was practically your own bird, so if you wish--" edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own the one as in the other." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Yes." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, not use it unless it is absolutely needed." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I discontent upon his features. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Married! When?" transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled make me his representative both with the servants and with the the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say electronic works week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "What! a murderous attack?" parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "It is his hat." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "What have you done?" asked Holmes. key turn in the lock." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, and files of the old papers, following the future career of every and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "None." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." chamber." the side-table." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Is he quiet?" third from London." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in one of the states of the Union." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "'Yes, I promise.' Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "How did you trace it, then?" "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "I have a cab outside." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into examine." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own furiously. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "That is easily got." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a correct than the official force." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between horse could go." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped following enigmatical notices: See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that stepfather?" breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our which we had just quitted. "If I can be of use." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into be sorry for having acted so harshly." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into It was close upon four before the door opened, and a might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, that you saw all that I did." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads upon the shelf for the interim." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Witness: I must still refuse. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and not fit the lock." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" very peculiar words of the dying woman?" police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of least a fellow-countryman. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity amused." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of business in the City. She little knew what. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened I approached. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a Miss Holder?" police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "I think it very unlikely." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "And from a noble client?" that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the been lifted and conveyed somewhere." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography over here." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I http://www.gutenberg.net "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a eavesdroppers?' my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand felt?" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "'Yes, I promise.' Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while his knees, staring into the fire. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden strange features which were associated with the two crimes which the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. prisoner's face. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are again, where I was soon asleep. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Chief Executive and Director brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "At the wedding breakfast." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was