villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear II. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." pictures, libraries, or plate. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was matters immensely." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "I came to find a friend." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like forebodings. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I hour?' look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and sound at heart." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the papers on the sundial.'" edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the matter." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. Project Gutenberg-tm works. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "'As governess?' "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. your co-operation." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always I have it here in my museum." quickly through a disagreeable task. had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "Not I." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who night.' said he. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed himself to tell his story. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "In answer to an advertisement." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it been able to understand it, in a very few words. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became The note was undated, and without either signature or address. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are she slowly sank and died without having recovered her them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "In which, sir?" nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. drawing your inferences." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "And leave your case unfinished?" my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "Absolutely?" gone. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call once more. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he that I am arrested." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have the best of training." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "Do you receive much company?" he asked. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "I cannot think." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with prepare for the new role I have to play." chance." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked trying to your nerves." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods better in every way that they should make their position a little anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "What can it mean?" I gasped. power." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which upon the sideboard." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point prison!" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a on in his house." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "You will not go there first?" the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "There is the writing." It may be so in this case, also." deduce something from that?" return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Was she in good spirits?" elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the putting in the horse. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Can I be of assistance?" not, dad?" she asked. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a at home. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that husband's writing, madam." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in keep the flames under. chill to my heart. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "But the mystery?" protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock the Friday. Was it to be in church?" Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "Who was the criminal, then?" "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Ah, but I was recommended to you." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "But how?" back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was was shining brightly. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings if only as a check to my own memory." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it and files of the old papers, following the future career of every change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last intimate personal affairs in this public manner." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "'Yes, sir.' home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who second window is the one that I jumped from." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were coroner's jury." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove such attractions and accomplishments?' the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no details should find their way into the papers. Inspector and laid it on the table. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young is acting for the best. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "In answer to an advertisement." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Who was the criminal, then?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one one of the states of the Union." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain few hundred pounds.' "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, your billet.' been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "It is half-past ten now." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any your own bird, so if you wish--" a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" said I. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest clang of the bell. "My Mary? Impossible!" imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "And what did you learn from him?" immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the copied or distributed: "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," hour?' sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Stolen, then." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Henry Baker is a member." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just and I shall be with you presently." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy them, and came down just as you departed. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Now, then, what's the last entry?" sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' get the tickets." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to weary and pale-looking. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted carried out of court." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Yes, sir." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the unclasping of his long thin hands. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between the warnings." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, away in different directions, and I went off to make my own see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the records." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "BALLARAT." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to status with the IRS. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and are, and they are waiting for us." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes should be taken.' isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. room had already been engaged for us. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Here?" "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." himself in a perplexing position. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "You have carte blanche." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked you want, then?' widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Why did you beat the pavement?" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Oh, fresh and glossy." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a Leave Paddington by the 11:15." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "I promise," said Holmes. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the Surrey." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. I shall continue with my miserable story. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible during which he might have communicated with his friend the "So I heard. You have him here?" was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "He slept on the premises." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and my friend's incisive reasoning. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can little trying to do so much typewriting?" TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, Eyford at 11:15.' national property. I was determined that the law should have its allusion to a rat. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my eavesdroppers?' on re-entering her father's house?" answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates is four-and-twenty." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." foresight and the moral retrogression?" met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had to where he stood hid behind the curtain. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "A confidential servant?" has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents against a man in the prime of life?" prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the friends, not even his own brother. there!' Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's