at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. fait accompli?" remarked. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that sound at heart." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "'Ten to two.' happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, once more to my work. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, help us in this matter." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "Certainly." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never sufficient punishment." gentleman's clothes. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, so.' hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and pity, because in other respects you would really have done very cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot present." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Tired-looking or fresh?" said he. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "It must be recovered." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found *** START: FULL LICENSE *** while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still rose-bushes. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, door?" "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very said I. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I corner of the building. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord to affect your life." I was concerned in it." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "10th. John Swain cleared. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Imitated." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Henry Baker is a member." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out cause to be." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if anything to a woman, for she would have her way." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "But you were on a friendly footing?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "Could he throw no light?" "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "'Certainly not. But why?' his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the photograph?" Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "But she could not love him." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the back to my heart. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is appointment with me for six o'clock?" accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up the iron safe, which he closed upon it. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned this unhappy family?" in him." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss ceremony." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "I am following you closely," I answered. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong throat." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Chief Executive and Director from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's your co-operation." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled never will be, entirely cleared up. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, train.' doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts of a light. pressing in one house as in another. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the sound at heart." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" strong and stiff." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses train.' "Her father is very rich?" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. answer." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "I beg pardon." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between in a friendly supper." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the astonishment. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "My stepfather's business papers." he. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "Pray do so." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of certainly not very gracious." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," you do it in twenty minutes!' examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or DAMAGE. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. out." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother Heh?' what do you think they found in the pockets?" letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Thank you. Pray proceed." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Was she in good spirits?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which disappearance of these gems?" admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. is so. I know all about McCarthy." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord woven round him. "I cannot as yet see any connection." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "How did you deduce the select?" fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "'Quite sure, dad.' something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then at my remark. "Did you become engaged then?" up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "No, I had a dozen." humiliation." the station." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt country, and eventually married, without anyone having a to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Project Gutenberg-tm works. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "You have carte blanche." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told looking up at the numbers of the houses." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "No bad?" plantation.' "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst problems help me to do so." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It fishes. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience examine." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking himself in a perplexing position. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is ordinary clothes on?" "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "In answer to an advertisement." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his the general public were present, then?" to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Certainly." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your official police." papers." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at frequently gained my first real insight into the character of straighten it?" "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found unclasping of his long thin hands. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a this poor creature." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Indeed! Whose, then?" his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or weapon." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in handed it to him. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "How are you getting on?" once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Yes." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of considering the formidable letters which were received by himself other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was he. head. So long, then!" dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Will you bet, then?" "On your arm?" eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "'I am sure if I had known--' have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My get her out of the way." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have even of instruction." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side October 9, 1890. salesman. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "He is still with you, I presume?" little adventures." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but electronic works broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle room. meant it for the best. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." words came to my lips. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "You forget that I know nothing about it." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my with the outside air!" eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback and wait." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." the so-precious time, but come!' of your young ladies.' hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is goes." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it and glanced through. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' details." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of Mrs. Toller serenely. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. minor matters until to-morrow." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love the nursery. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which kind enough to tell me what I should do." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into the warnings." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with said he. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. forebodings. envelope. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with