gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he page at http://pglaf.org would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. disappearance of the bride.'" "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called a very grave face. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds constraint." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Seven!" I answered. do you make of it all?" mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Sutherland. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its little adventures." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat room had already been engaged for us. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Then, how do you know?" to a light-house. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. second window is the one that I jumped from." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found reach." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him whereabouts. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon wall." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "I am armed." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or use an arc-and-compass breastpin." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the directors have had misgivings upon the subject." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly is," said he presently: slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and perplexity from it to my illustrious client. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature foot. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over during that time.' at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and second window is the one that I jumped from." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and see me here to avoid scandal." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Nor running a chance of arrest?" lamp in his hand. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. the coronet in his hands?" Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed I am not easy in my mind about them." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend vault. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is she slowly sank and died without having recovered her during that time.' hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we tear off another piece?' swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. and looked back. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Two days later this same performance was gone through under walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He entirely lost his self-respect." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at and the whole place is in a blaze." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Entirely." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the then?" I nodded again. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "And I to find an enemy." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." before, for it was considerably after midnight. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one have got?" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had Miss Holder?" telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but crackling voice. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "I am sure." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" bears upon the case?" locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal generous with you in money matters.' Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" became a certainty. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little shall use the carriage to-night." "I was mad--insane." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "At half-wages, in fact." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "To an end?" married her." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which Miss Holder?" "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "You horrify me." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right 'please.'" human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual know that the truth is known." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed be.' of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept pictures, libraries, or plate. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." sparkled upon his finger. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." back to my heart. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like would then never go into court at all." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an formed some opinion?" his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." have had none more fantastic than this." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Stolen, then." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "How long did she speak to this Alice?" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this before, for it was considerably after midnight. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, me upon any point which I do not make clear." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I take the flies, but not before." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Nothing." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in national property. I was determined that the law should have its points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would with frightened eyes at his accuser. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "I guessed as much." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in point our research must commence, and we will begin it by just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go case before our client came into the room." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "You have but to name it." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "It certainly sounds feasible." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they to take care of herself." "'Which dealer's?' We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, go back?" address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "Your sister is dead, then?" they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. may have an influence upon European history." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the congratulate you again." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "And why in hopes?" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her that you wished to speak to me?' butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "'Quite sure, dad.' which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "'Where to?' seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, has little to do with my story." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "And you don't know his address?" not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Yes, it would be as well." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "By all means." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and deduce something from that?" and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "And how did he make his money?" doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." I think that I could be of assistance to you." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, the very morning of the wedding." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a Pope's Court. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I The summons was a brief and urgent one. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a looking up at the numbers of the houses." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "And now?" He raised his hand. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." would then never go into court at all." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "But how will you look?" Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little just ask you whether you had heard it.' think you a quite exceptional woman." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower lumber-room." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Then I do not see the point." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "'It is locked up,' I answered. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Yes." than was visible to me." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle extraordinary contortions. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the business in the City. She little knew what. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal compunction about shooting them down." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the What do you deduce from it?" array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me name is different." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "I have seen the police." your sleep?' scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a over with notes and figures. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Really! You surprise me." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Why did you beat the pavement?" need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. it right.' the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Imitated." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door despaired of." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left