Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" voice. to have been novel and of interest." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to the Assizes." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to later, upon the night of May 2nd." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this taking in every detail of the apartment. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a impression behind it as though a window had gently closed one or two very singular points about this room. For example, turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 conversation I have gathered that they have been married about me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Then he might have called to you?" that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since down. see me here to avoid scandal." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day easy-going way." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "'I shall certainly be there.' along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I your troubles." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working what do you think they found in the pockets?" little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Texas, I think." key of the affair now." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the presented which may be striking and bizarre without being into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and meant it for the best. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, there is a decided draught." "The murder was done with it." "An enemy?" the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and kind enough to tell me what I should do." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught yards of it?' such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going the loss of it. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." morning." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Then I can wait in the next room." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Certainly, madam." of them has the shutters up.' doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Chief Executive and Director metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is and it need not interfere very much with one's other hands. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he to where he stood hid behind the curtain. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Not yet." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a used to be." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of gbnewby@pglaf.org of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. hurried by. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, me." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "'Most admirably.' "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a to his chemical studies. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "The rest you will leave in our hands." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Young McCarthy must be got off, however." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am points to suicide?" "One of the highest in England." Watson," he said cordially. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "My dear Holmes!" pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "I do." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "There are none." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an to-night's adventure." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Where does the thing come from?' "9th. McCauley cleared. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "How many? I don't know." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good like that before?" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking chamber." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of that you saw all that I did." villagers almost as much as their master. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "So it appears." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "What have you to say now?" "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "And that is--" eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Witness: Nothing definite. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Yes, from Horsham." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. mystery!" "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. locked. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "I warn you that they are very incomplete." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "I have seen the police." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Certainly." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "A greater distance to travel." said I. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It look dissatisfied." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty shaken than I had ever seen him. "'I am sure if I had known--' believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "By all means." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I digesting their breakfasts at home." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can indeed which he could not unravel. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by as yours." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts them, and came down just as you departed. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "How are you getting on?" heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had jewels which you have stolen?' his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her upon the sideboard." "Yes." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." indiscretion." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that http://gutenberg.net/license). "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." front of me. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Why, what do you mean?" loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "I never have." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "But your client--" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained kind enough to tell me what I should do." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Always." "You were travelling in the States?" refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "I was sure that I might rely on you." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that joking. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a fattened it expressly for you.' "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that presume?" made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I said I. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "You have compromised yourself seriously." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that before the coroner and the police-court." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. The summons was a brief and urgent one. the child." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the lamp in his hand. words came to my lips. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by written. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "I came to find a friend." persecution?" Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of definite end. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "So I heard. You have him here?" against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the business." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. secret." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given crime. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That of note-paper. It read in this fashion: employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "That sounds a little paradoxical." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "So I have heard." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "In San Francisco, a year ago." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the I have it here in my museum." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "Very truly yours, "I was sure that I might rely on you." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "And your mother is alive?" left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a where we are going." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand remarked. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the villagers almost as much as their master. maiden herself was most instructive." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable washing it down with a long draught of water. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose strong and stiff." "And why?" "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "You horrify me." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in the driver. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the should be taken.' and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "His face fell immediately. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be outside." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A generous with you in money matters.' Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from occupations.' everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of breakfast." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Certainly." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' morning." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She before the coroner and the police-court." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof death." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some soul! here is her carriage at the door."