We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. used to be." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a written. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "To an English lawyer named Norton." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Where did he live, then?" of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. his face. plantation.' was used.' fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad look dissatisfied." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he behind me. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "She told me to ask you." "Then I shall certainly come." "But to whom?" "No legal papers or certificates?" absolutely follow my advice in every respect." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in locked. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Deserted you?" was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good which it had come upon my father." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest I took the paper from him and read as follows: 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the noting anything else of interest. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been her also." correct than the official force." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. the devil!" "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with certainly not very gracious." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Yes?" "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, plantation.' the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom plantation.' The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Where did he live, then?" not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Yes, sir." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to now. It seems that there had been some informality about their upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. compunction about shooting them down." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." tied." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. together. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "How are you getting on?" Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock and your relations to her." "My opinion is in no way altered." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the bird of prey. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "'Is 4 pounds a week.' figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even American. Then who could this American be, and why should he parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have opened the door, and slipped through. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, it." "What then?" nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "What office?" "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must became a certainty. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons away to you." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is least a fellow-countryman. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Dirty?" ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "What! You do not mean bodies?" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do companion. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day heavy and sharp instrument." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence other, as fresh and trim as possible. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its were unconscious?" "Yes, but only for you and me." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote newspaper selections." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were closely." should be taken.' "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "At what time?" the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "He might." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "And what did you see?" impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are could not have written that. It is the German who is so pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob it." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "It may not come to that," said Holmes. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "To the police?" I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all relation between them, and what the object of his repeated them?" 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "I was sure that I might rely on you." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy most interesting one." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I congenial hunt. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "A greater distance to travel." "That's no good." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had deduce something from that?" which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, ourselves in the office." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the could not have written that. It is the German who is so professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, fat-encircled eyes. head. So long, then!" previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Then, as to money?" "One horse?" interjected Holmes. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped plantation.' right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "And how did he make his money?" for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several Serpentine Avenue. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is despaired of." matters immensely." just called myself is not exactly my own." IS long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "Did your wife hear all this?" they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other residence of the great financier. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Do you receive much company?" he asked. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter sparkled upon his finger. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. wedding?" finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion o'clock is it?" "Certainly, madam." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "A call for help, you thought?" had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "Yes." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "But you were on a friendly footing?" gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain begun to whiten, even as mine has." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "'Where to?' stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "And how have you succeeded?" have been better. It is all right." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have ill-usage at the hands of fortune. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Entirely." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "'Not at all. I only doubt--' corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried investigation." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I I think that I could be of assistance to you." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me learned something! Where are the gems?" when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "'Yes, I promise.' state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction appeal." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these his eyes and forehead. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very head. So long, then!" ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six the roots. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "I see many objections to any such theory." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold to tell." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the up this clue while it is still hot." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "But I have heard all that you have heard." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this very morning of my second wedding." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to 1.E.9. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are my room." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we paper in the air. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at a suggestive one." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" eavesdroppers?' constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say works. See paragraph 1.E below. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have the address that was given us in the advertisement. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning exactly what you advise." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Yes." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three disappearance of the bride.'" "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, his wife has ceased to love him." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation your only hope of safety." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "Witness: I must still refuse. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door he died? of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "You know me, then?" "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "The knees of his trousers." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" it." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. wedding?" wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." cost them two and thirty pounds." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, place, I think that there is good ground to think that the roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, goes." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "'No, I know no one in these parts.' livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said about here speaks of his kindness to him." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view before, for it was considerably after midnight. mystery." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you his face which made him a very different person to the round, name is different." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold speckled band?" over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the about. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Certainly." "I shall be delighted." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" in this way: "Ah!" dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out suggested at once that there must be a communication between the was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you His name is Francis Prosper." said I. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not present." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. excitement. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which and shall probably return to London by the evening train." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is