pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "And what then?" sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "Not in a good cause." with the outside air!" and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." was already answered. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "I should like to see him very much." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "One of his hands." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich jewels which you have stolen?' ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt direction." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." following enigmatical notices: was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "Very. But will he see it?" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Dark enough and sinister enough." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was since then to throw any light upon what became of him." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, putting in the horse. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an to-night?' my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I forecastle of an emigrant ship. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "'About the same.' memory. father's young wife. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must question," said Holmes, smiling. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set such person." stammered. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, remarked. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "No." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "It is no ordinary one." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of cigars in their mouths. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. foresight and the moral retrogression?" my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to despair." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my telegram would bring me down to your help." morning." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." forecastle of an emigrant ship. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss enough to aid us in our search." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. at my own good fortune. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." digesting their breakfasts at home." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until one of them." true." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Oh, the cause is excellent!" Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest the general public were present, then?" out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch green of the new foliage. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." have accepted such a situation. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you business." my room." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my pity, because in other respects you would really have done very lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Yes, at the mines." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door round and wave him away like that.' certainly do as you advise." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." and I shall be with you presently." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually it with his own hands." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his conversation I have gathered that they have been married about vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, beg that you will break it off." very morning of my second wedding." once more. "Thank you. Pray proceed." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy happened." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I you found me to-night--and running through the front room she be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated remarked. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Well?" fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, of a light. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Where to?" it." "When did she vanish, then?" cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Two days later this same performance was gone through under precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you present." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you to tell." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "He might." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Dark enough and sinister enough." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told weary and pale-looking. read over the extraordinary announcement. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "What is it, then--a fire?" "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I friends, not even his own brother. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "And it is--" 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I second window is the one that I jumped from." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I that there was nothing in it, after all." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "We must sit without light. He would see it through the been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" roused himself from his reverie. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "'Certainly,' I answered. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking here and I will read it to you: difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Where, then, is my wife?" to-night?" I asked. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know relation between them, and what the object of his repeated halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before this remarkable episode. B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he of Mr. Rucastle's." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step shadow pass over his face as I spoke. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. occurred." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "'And the work?' is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "A confidential servant?" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "What of the rat, then?" Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. had formerly been in part my own. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." six. Come in!" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "But how will you look?" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "A client, then?" matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, me." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper people in all walks of life. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very strength." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and Heh?' It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." as noiselessly as she had come. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and and wait." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "What can it mean?" I gasped. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that trying to your nerves." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks as the one I chose?' dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence Cross for the Continent." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he your billet.' tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Yes." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Yes." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I the room while you explain this matter?" He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There not within a twentieth part of the market price." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it hair?' do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, into the bag, and made for the door. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, desk. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads eavesdroppers?' look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a once more for Briony Lodge. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as despair." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Then he might have called to you?" with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for in my life." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a together. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then was feeling which was the fattest.' "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "My last client of the sort was a king." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a