and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a call for it in person on Monday morning.' that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "That you are never beaten." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Was he the only applicant?" since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' forebodings. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the make me his representative both with the servants and with the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever allusion to a rat. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Again Holmes raved in the air. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Very. But will he see it?" what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Then I shall certainly come." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "And from a noble client?" quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been might have a private word with us. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official beg that you will break it off." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of do.' comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "Quite so." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke Sutherland?" I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his as he folded up the epistle. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "I am following you closely," I answered. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back will be renamed. "Nothing." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the friends, not even his own brother. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I of." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and eavesdroppers?' the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he soul! here is her carriage at the door." think, you have already met." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "The doctor?" pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss minor matters until to-morrow." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" stood on the top of it. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "I came to find a friend." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about will not take me long to tell. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "The gentleman I describe." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Texas, I think." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "'I am sure that I do not know.' became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few The events in question occurred in the early days of my experiences." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Her father is very rich?" companion. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "Her father is very rich?" "'Never.' ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "By train from Waterloo." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far business?" other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" completely overtopped every other consideration that we both and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but fuss that is made over them." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Were they all fastened this morning?" father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in know that the truth is known." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something present." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of something of him before." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay business." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Yes." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "But you can know nothing of this?" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "She will not sell." to tell." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "No, I am descending." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I gone. salesman. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" bare slabs of marble. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in man. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these silent! Oh, he will be silent!' It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have that you can jump it.' word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few may never be exposed to such a temptation." "What, then?" "Then he might have called to you?" any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "But his left-handedness." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "What then?" "This photograph!" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which later, upon the night of May 2nd." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, it means?" "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very Holmes." "At half-wages, in fact." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and and wait." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at and it need not interfere very much with one's other anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Stolen." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether within hail.' back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years upon the shelf for the interim." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Absolutely?" on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "It came here." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "No, finished." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, one of them." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Pray be precise as to details," said he. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. 11:15.' you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of should be so warm over such a trifle." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. your equipment. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free Countess of Morcar's?" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very was a perfect sample of the class. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked this man was intellectual?" into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "I shall most certainly do so." exactly what you advise." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "Always." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided intrusion of other matters." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it cheerful." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "I never have." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in 1.E.9. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he was feeling which was the fattest.' There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told than was visible to me." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It ordinary clothes on?" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking father's place of business?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "She will not sell." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "I see many objections to any such theory." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and to-morrow." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At o'clock is it?" "We were both in the photograph." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made nonsense.' has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will delirious. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to works. See paragraph 1.E below. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "Very much so." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "And what then?" "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler and a shock of very red hair. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Never." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." towards the blaze. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "And the murderer?" purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at like gravel from a pit.' must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my discontent upon his features. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then next day. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "It is no ordinary one." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most future lives." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a rat could hardly pass through." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not and laid it on the table. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting respectable self." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man even of instruction." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but spark where all is dark to me." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set happened." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and meant it for the best. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "'And the work?' and wait." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too key turn in the lock." "On Monday." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there the inner apartment." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful the morning and make my own way in the world.' to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up indeed happy." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special back to my heart. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who colour had been driven from his face. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought