Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is compunction about shooting them down." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. upon a handsome competence. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but to surprise her." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now The note was undated, and without either signature or address. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle in a friendly supper." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Of what?" this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "'Where could I find him?' rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even should be so warm over such a trifle." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured bill, which interests me deeply." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks voice. criminal. We have already had experience of such." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "I have solved it." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid business." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I drove away. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first any little problem which you may submit to me." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" cigars in the box." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the putting in the horse. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Yes. He waved his hands." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With Project Gutenberg-tm works. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank http://gutenberg.net/license). exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Yes, that is the Crown." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "And it is--" this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "I should like to see him very much." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Pope's Court. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "So I am. Very much so." answer." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "And the murderer?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very to-morrow." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this points to suicide?" into her hand at the door and which lured her within their fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "You are hungry," I remarked. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a your billet.' The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "That is also quite modern," said the lady. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered the warnings." tell them apart.' warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; and effective." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense like that before?" all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," and a shock of very red hair. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I who was a member of your goose club." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting you found me to-night--and running through the front room she protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, and have this put in the evening papers." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "'There is a drive, then?' "Precisely so. But how--" "What have you to say now?" "Dr. Becher's." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "BALLARAT." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice six. Come in!" remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been deduce something from that?" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "I fear not." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has chamber." "And you can do nothing until then?" avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to memory. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better depend upon your compliance." invisible to me," I remarked. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a at my own good fortune. her also." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right that threaten you." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Yes, he did." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "You have it, sir, just as it happened." You want to know what became of those geese?" your sleep?' "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed views." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own upon a handsome competence. "Won't it ring?" generous with you in money matters.' "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." ashen face. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "One of the highest in England." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of your equipment. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival that, and I came down." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened I was concerned in it." tell them apart.' through." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Then how many are there?" heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my existence." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same details." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as your troubles." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have note?" send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "None." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "But we can't all be." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "That is easily got." "Have you it here?" "Pray do so." always that they were such commands as a lady might with be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "'Ample.' you." straightened it out again. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. see me here to avoid scandal." "Your presence might be invaluable." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "The decline of his fortunes, then?" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely empty. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. developed." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; held up the lantern and gazed about him. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, investigation." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few about here speaks of his kindness to him." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough tail." outsides of the windows. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our details." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that criminal. We have already had experience of such." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "How on earth--" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George you want, then?' the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary people in all walks of life. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. gone. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. to talk it over. "And you can do nothing until then?" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy all that?" "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be when your master had gone out." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass presented more singular features than that which was associated We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "Upon what point?" "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "I say that I have solved it." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one opportunities to fix the problem. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "I am sure." with some details as to your case." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered the Red-headed League." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, particular state visit http://pglaf.org Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "If so, much may have happened between." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is these bleak autumnal evenings." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Awake, Watson?" he asked. congenial hunt. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their leaning back in his chair. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "So I have heard." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Pray continue your narrative." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more other lovers by making love himself." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with Holmes. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was that there was nothing in it, after all." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us had a long day." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by quickly through a disagreeable task. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. until night should bring an explanation. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be since then to throw any light upon what became of him." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "You were travelling in the States?" WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those yards of it?' and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Was he the only applicant?" made him keep the appointment." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "How did you trace it, then?" "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a knowledge of the world." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and suddenly upon us." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon go--none." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at was shining brightly. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a second." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and sofa. This way, please!" round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I