erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save there in twenty minutes." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he carried out of court." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not London for the present?" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few towards the blaze. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they you for a few hours?" have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. at my remark. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "10th. John Swain cleared. nice household for a young lady." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried three of the beryls in it, was missing. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "What! You do not mean bodies?" set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, too. McCarthy." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. occurred." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by the house with me." of a light. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope observed. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Why? What do you mean?" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "To the police?" face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "I say it is." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took gigantic client. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, distinguish the words: solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The populous neighbourhood." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew wall." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of furiously. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as conduct the inquiry." that you can jump it.' "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the neither fascinating nor artistic." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his whereabouts. several quiet little villages up there." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name will he say when he returns?" especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "And did you observe any change in her then?" manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's he died? "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora ways of our fellow-men." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. fluttered off among the others. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over from you?" Holmes." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "How can you tell that?" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you of his shoulders. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. outbreak?" was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "A client, then?" sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and crime." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six for securing the situation." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon wall." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "'I am sure if I had known--' what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "The landlord of the Alpha." awkward doing business with an alias." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, said he, "my real name is James Ryder." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "I do." had a long day." Arthur Conan Doyle prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "I say it is." way in." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "'Yes, I promise.' Edgeware Road. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this green of the new foliage. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in morning." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat fasten all the windows?" your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "It is true that I have been generally successful." in. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "We must have a cab." Watson," he said cordially. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is I think that I could be of assistance to you." "He disappeared so suddenly." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. as the one I chose?' these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges there was no need for father to know." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "And on what day did he meet his death?" he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. I nodded to show that I had heard. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were which we had just quitted. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. with some details as to your case." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch Holmes' room. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for ill-usage at the hands of fortune. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the information in his hands the value of which he did not himself wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining sound at heart." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "I do." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Yes, all." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary a monotonous occupation." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have the salesman. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and considering the formidable letters which were received by himself to arrive at through this?" this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "But he might be a bachelor." to arrive at through this?" stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" singular points about the case. What did the police think of the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "And what did you see?" call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on place of silver." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw danger is over." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Of Friday, June 19th." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of to take care of herself." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Absolutely none." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was both be extremely obliged.' lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." drawing your inferences." the salesman. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "And you can do nothing until then?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Certainly." answered with a sidelong glance. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my problems help me to do so." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Not in a good cause." "Then you may entirely rely on me." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at remarked. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy upon the shelf for the interim." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by nothing of it?" has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "But he might be a bachelor." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. confronted him. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this been able to understand it, in a very few words. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "Yes, but only for you and me." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found weighed down with some great anxiety. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up standing smiling on the door-step. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly more terrible than the truth. "Yes, from Horsham." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a prepare for the new role I have to play." been shamefully used." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was dramatic, in fact." "How did you deduce the select?" that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting your troubles." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Not in a good cause." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time just ask you whether you had heard it.' autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is in this note: impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "At half-wages, in fact." Street. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Where to?" is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make such attractions and accomplishments?' fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are everything which you would wish to know." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "Here?" Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Perfectly so." "Was the window open?" and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there had formerly been in part my own. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible not within a twentieth part of the market price." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these Henry Baker is a member." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Texas, I think." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "So I am. Very much so." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, south, for the country is more deserted there." and inquire as to the address." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall Literary Archive Foundation shall use the carriage to-night." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with during that time.' To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "It is very clear." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." nonsense.' "We must have a cab." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the your co-operation." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get if only as a check to my own memory." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something is a common subject for conversation. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "You horrify me!" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have strange features which were associated with the two crimes which to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, go from here to the Strand." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "'You cannot say what it was?' conduct the inquiry." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he opened a pocket-book and took out a note. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Very much so." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and is worth.' "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about points to suicide?" "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Thank you. And your address?" "What?" "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would depend upon my doing so.'