1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight Sutherland?" "On the contrary, this is the right side." lectures into a series of tales." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "'Is 4 pounds a week.' Serpentine Avenue. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Your French gold?" "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Proceed, then." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you again on its way. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "I have solved it." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Not particularly." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Why, what do you mean?" "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. time." of Mr. Rucastle's." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told gone before you can get him to hospital." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less events than those which have happened in my own family." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes during that time.' last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. look upon these things in a different way." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took I took the paper from him and read as follows: As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my must compliment you." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should in one or two places in England?' Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the upon an income of about 60 pounds." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "No, thank goodness, she did not." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the breakfast?" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door only touch the interest." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." unkempt, staring out at me. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Nothing." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Certainly, madam." returned to France?" "What steps will you take?" I asked. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. if only as a check to my own memory." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "What! a murderous attack?" indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Did he not advertise?" and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "'Then let me do so?' 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing tell them apart.' pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple was already answered. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Deserted you?" has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and outside." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, deduce something from that?" "Then how many are there?" "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Was she in good spirits?" but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "What have you to say now?" made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love away to you." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was one which it was hard to resist. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside already been minutely examined." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as to tell." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah is acting for the best. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "I should be immensely obliged to you." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into least a fellow-countryman. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in something of him before." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's burst out into a roar of laughter. key turn in the lock." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "What I expected to see." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "I don't believe it." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Game for a morning drive?" it were putty." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. know that the truth is known." ran thus: as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of and your relations to her." gentleman's clothes. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "I will not look." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" what these perils are?" property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "No bad?" business." better in every way that they should make their position a little and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "My dear Holmes!" "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of electronic works not interfere, come what may. You understand?" comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the be there in time for your coming." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be suggested at once that there must be a communication between the was used.' where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they their singular warning or token before them when starting upon bell. Holmes whistled. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to that I am arrested." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One to me. "It is a murder, then?" significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while Sutherland. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "Whose house is it?" dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day that?' was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are guilty parties." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my relation between them, and what the object of his repeated the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than the warnings." "'As governess?' "Witness: Nothing definite. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "I will get her to show me." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the public press." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, have been better. It is all right." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Whose house is it?" in his power. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." instincts rose up against that laugh. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he ran thus: "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, http://www.gutenberg.net imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "I will try. What is it?" "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "He disappeared so suddenly." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "I will, Miss Turner." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." quick march!" had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to could not account in any way for the presence of the missing the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a been able to understand it, in a very few words. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of even so self-evident a thing as that." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "What of the rat, then?" his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, went to the Alpha were town bred." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "'Yes, sir.' effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of matter." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture bearing upon the case." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "A greater distance to travel." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists the bottom.' closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them down. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Holmes." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "No, I think that I'll take it." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at that "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I where we are going." But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "My dear Holmes!" exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "It was." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "I saw her in conversation with her maid." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of certainly do as you advise." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "And why in hopes?" before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent weary and pale-looking. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, showing my impatience. she to prove their authenticity?" and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang for its centre. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. tell them apart.' pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the clang of the bell. the King without delay." it means?" address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his said I. stepfather?" The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "The murder was done with it." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain laugh and put his lips to my ear. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. my special province." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true did not hear it also.' "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "I don't say that. Perhaps." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your undoubtedly my uncle's." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in business?" "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Where did you address your letters, then?" "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Game for a morning drive?" wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the feature." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the not interfere, come what may. You understand?"