Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" discontent upon his features. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very a few minutes he said that it would be all right. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you and laid it on the table. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "No." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon was it brought him the coronet? "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my since then to throw any light upon what became of him." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to then?" to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "How did that help you?" postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day attention." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. about. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not pressing in one house as in another. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that humiliation." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Yes, it was twisted." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "But it has twice been burgled." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Two days later this same performance was gone through under in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Ample." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "He said too much." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Will you bet, then?" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a lamp. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do presume?" morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a as noiselessly as she had come. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than not within a twentieth part of the market price." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Ample." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest system of imprisonment?" glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little is now desirous of getting those letters back." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. following enigmatical notices: Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "And why?" occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Pray continue your narrative." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose looking up at the numbers of the houses." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few tear off another piece?' single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together may have an influence upon European history." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, might have a private word with us. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest charged with?" connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, locked. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are developed." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out notes," he said. noting anything else of interest. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "You heard nothing yourself last night?" Munro.' bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "'Yes, sir.' a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less way in." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number a good hundred miles off by now." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "You forget that I know nothing about it." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." up this clue while it is still hot." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." without a word or a look. know all about it," he snarled. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to crime." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Yes." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three look upon these things in a different way." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "I am following you closely," I answered. my room." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I could go. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout hands. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "I beg pardon." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "'Where to?' stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left late!' can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Will you bet, then?" together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" so far?" and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Yes, they were peculiar boots." comes from the middle window." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Did he not advertise?" "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "'Certainly not.' "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Eh? What was that?" humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a these bleak autumnal evenings." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "'Ten to two.' door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and I nodded again. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "'I have heard so.' servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door one's self under obligations.' one of them." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Did you become engaged then?" "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew was used.' small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite fat-encircled eyes. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "I was sure that I might rely on you." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly with her." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a writer." one which it was hard to resist. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have as noiselessly as she had come. "I promise," said Holmes. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible allusion to a rat. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. it means?" "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the must compliment you." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the assist you in forming an opinion." be.' passage and a tap at the door. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." which was all perfectly true. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers delighted to hear it," he said. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "And you thought he was pulled back?" made his money." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue death." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "You saw the ventilator, too?" green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an without a word or a look. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your cheerful." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "He disappeared so suddenly." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Deserted you?" "One horse?" interjected Holmes. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as in a very precise fashion." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at his wife has ceased to love him." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Well." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my that he will be back before evening." redistribution. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man down in his armchair and closing his eyes. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton begun to whiten, even as mine has." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at to some other building. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Yes." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only developed." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." fatally injured? I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a be sorry for having acted so harshly." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. yet." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a success. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Has he come with you to-night?" whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations him, that man would not have given me such complete information want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little money should be paid at once.' coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "On Monday." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, children over to America with him, so that I found myself without believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Imitated." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the closely." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy directors, with the result that you have seen." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and away in different directions, and I went off to make my own what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Pray continue your narrative." and that he would see to anything that turned up. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "'Yes, sir.' One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was again, where I was soon asleep. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and as he folded up the epistle. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" really the only notable feature about the thing." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "It's nothing of the kind." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, wife's character?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "'Is 4 pounds a week.' showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Never." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared a suggestive one." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after purpose equally well?" to me. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "You are all wrong." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came the matter." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "But it has twice been burgled." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to points in connection with it which never have been, and probably patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "My own seal." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon of the way of danger. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Always." instituted." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a a good hundred miles off by now." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all been anything against him. He had for years been known as a shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, arrested. You then--" manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the get her out of the way." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have