conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." way in." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "He said too much." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Pray tell us what has happened to you." 1.E.9. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the closely." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "I am to be neutral?" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. orange pips. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy vague figure huddled up in the darkness. you do it in twenty minutes!' certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. investigation." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "'Certainly not. But why?' a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive as noiselessly as she had come. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Entirely." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "I will not look." "You saw the ventilator, too?" tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have criminal. We have already had experience of such." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we light and attacked it." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Thank you. Pray proceed." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, of his shoulders. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite wanted for ourselves." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "What will you say?" sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My allusion to a rat. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very who was a member of your goose club." business matters.' Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "And is that all?" particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the down. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, floor. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during when your master had gone out." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Pray let us have it, for all that." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the light and attacked it." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook IS he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything whatever might befall. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the of your young ladies.' opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he But Holmes shook his head gravely. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "I don't believe it." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "And when will you call?" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. one of them." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about as this. Pray let me have the details." observed. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to an introduction to him?" five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what kindly on the shoulder. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once the matter?" alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly pierced for earrings?" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry the side-table." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "What are they?" in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "By no means." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "'You cannot say what it was?' in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "That was it, sir." all that?" "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. used to be." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my 'please.'" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my make me his representative both with the servants and with the accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "It is his hat." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Did you become engaged then?" some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was train.' back into the street. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a evidence," I remarked. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in of Mr. Rucastle's." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "And I." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did washing it down with a long draught of water. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. laugh and put his lips to my ear. companion quietly. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a existence." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an is worth.' inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Yes, sir." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "My dear Holmes!" black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches pictures, libraries, or plate. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that late." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you Cross for the Continent." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom locked. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began locked." following enigmatical notices: "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a have an American origin." standing smiling on the door-step. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is upon the white wrist. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "You will not go there first?" their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Not particularly." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "My opinion is in no way altered." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "Yes." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." locked. the morning and make my own way in the world.' discontent upon his features. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting photograph?" glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on ill-usage at the hands of fortune. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in me." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE started for the Temple to see my husband. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his possible that we could bring him back to her? near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Yes. He waved his hands." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "What is it, then--a fire?" him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "By no means." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was companion. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a of note-paper. It read in this fashion: small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my infinite languor in his face. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Yes." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless electronic works smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive will be renamed. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. DISSOLVED. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" morning." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest Eyford at 11:15.' to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to relief. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Have you good authority for what you say?" "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. up this clue while it is still hot." one's self under obligations.' "I have come for advice." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" him to go away.' fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. delirious. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "No more words. Get out!" Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, singular points about the case. What did the police think of the There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to certainly do as you advise." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Countess of Morcar's?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which least a most suspicious remark." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "But how?" to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "I was afraid that you were engaged." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and Again Holmes raved in the air. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must together. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." you." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with Surrey." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less Young McCarthy must be got off, however." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "I will not look." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can