shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his business." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of him!" chance at all." "Then, as to money?" King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I place of silver." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us pressing in one house as in another. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, I approached. "Perhaps we may make them less so." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "And how did you verify them?" the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to the loss of it. used to be." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco unkempt, staring out at me. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Do you know him?" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I Sutherland?" thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "I will try. What is it?" rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a reach." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has examination of the premises, but without finding anything which until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call highly," said Holmes. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "Why did you pick him?" to have that photograph." following enigmatical notices: his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that so.' "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" me. You must get home instantly and act." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not strong reason behind." his knees, staring into the fire. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two think that any burglar could have done. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "To an end?" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Yes, the wine-cellar." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove you." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "And when will you call?" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "No, my brougham is waiting." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of of it with the greatest attention. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark fire. You quite follow me?" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "We were both in the photograph." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is gone. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "And who is her maid?" "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was them?" Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "But not more so than I to find you." "I would pay ten." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" to where he stood hid behind the curtain. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very my friend's incisive reasoning. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until test if we have an answer to our advertisement." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to something of him before." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a threw himself down with his face to the pillow. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were noting anything else of interest. colour had been driven from his face. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "'You cannot say what it was?' pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "On your arm?" "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and you, my dear young lady?' vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had to affect your life." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a his grey eyes. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you Mrs. Toller serenely. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length where she found matters as described by the last witness. Project Gutenberg-tm works. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done stalked out of the room. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There breakfast?" writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw colonel looking down at me. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "I beg pardon." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "'What then?' I asked. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, whether it answered to the description of any of their "No. What a strange idea!" journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another happened." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in confronted him. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a confronted him. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was *** START: FULL LICENSE *** cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, sufficient punishment." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." you in yours." conceal it?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "That is possible." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly there!' main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "The rest you will leave in our hands." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, introspective fashion. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Yes, only one." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have see a sister of mine apply for." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Perhaps we may make them less so." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Who was the criminal, then?" and put his glass in his pocket. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "No." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips the matter." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old appeal." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have developed." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy This is what he says: The note was undated, and without either signature or address. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing such person." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. must be when I saw the door open.' passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with empty. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to closely." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a own family. comes from the middle window." "Is he quiet?" Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned he bowed and left the room without another word. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Yes, but only for you and me." prisoner's face. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "Proceed, then." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "The murder was done with it." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which papers must be those that are destroyed.' was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see read it out to me." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the nonsense.' whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "What?" as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I you for a few hours?" "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I guilty one." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm Chief Executive and Director waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "I would give my fortune to have them back." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with fled together." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about been lifted and conveyed somewhere." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. in the hope of finding them." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the status with the IRS. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Not I." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Perhaps we may make them less so." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with that I can to serve you." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled said I. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress and looked back. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "It came here." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "What! You do not mean bodies?" impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and ceremony." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp that you can jump it.' while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "'Why that?' I asks. generous with you in money matters.' your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds prison!" her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was your only hope of safety." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." the coronet in his hands?" considering the formidable letters which were received by himself smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the and put his glass in his pocket. business?" and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned searched, without anything being found which could incriminate assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "'Never,' said I. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any his face which made him a very different person to the round, for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong with her." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Very murderous indeed." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "'Very good.' "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "I would pay ten." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then