steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "In answer to an advertisement." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, Holmes. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "He is dead," cried several voices. brain must have something in it." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the point our research must commence, and we will begin it by front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden noting anything else of interest. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" one of the states of the Union." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Perfectly so." "Will you go?" my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was coat-tails." "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. disturbance in my wife." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous fait accompli?" "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. suddenly upon us." October 9, 1890. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Then the page we have seen--" whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and for the market.' name is different." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "I cannot tell." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business take the flies, but not before." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It throat." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "It came here." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried straightened it out again. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the point our research must commence, and we will begin it by head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a the general public were present, then?" "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Was the window open?" Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was you." "Her father is very rich?" in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "And now?" He raised his hand. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us spare." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could have one." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. appeal." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of fled together." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "I cannot think." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "No?" threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "I have seen the police." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his undoubtedly my uncle's." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open cup of tea. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the gone before you can get him to hospital." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Pray continue your narrative." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "'I shall certainly be there.' habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Not I." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when awaited us upon the table. "I don't believe it." lamp in his hand. business." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "Dr. Becher's." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Look there!" said he. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done or in danger--" offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns room had already been engaged for us. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably little trying to do so much typewriting?" have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to something of him before." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, Pool. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more garden below. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out interests were the same as his." "You have compromised yourself seriously." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic not within a twentieth part of the market price." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "It was." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the feature." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your your own bird, so if you wish--" was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for fait accompli?" power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Thank you. Pray proceed." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I ways including including checks, online payments and credit card was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Yes." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "On Monday." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my mystery!" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, see me here to avoid scandal." "Then I shall certainly come." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, Street. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of affair. unprecedented a position." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." him nearly every evening." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Was there a secret marriage?" wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Thank you. Pray proceed." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "What! a murderous attack?" the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the brought there to personate someone, and the real person is the matter." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "But what harm can there be in that?" wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity sofa. This way, please!" difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Yes, I have one waiting." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "And how did he make his money?" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed sparkled upon his finger. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I the Friday. Was it to be in church?" knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred some water from a caraffe. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "It must be recovered." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, it right.' her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been bed dies. Does not that strike you?" near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the address. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" DISSOLVED. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "But you can know nothing of this?" congenial hunt. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled which I could not give. He asked for Alice. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "That is not always so easy." "It came here." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella upon an income of about 60 pounds." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as very morning of my second wedding." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She village inn over there?" "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took this poor creature." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "Precisely." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to appointment with me for six o'clock?" started for the Temple to see my husband. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and strength." direction." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "My last client of the sort was a king." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "Yes, it was twisted." companion quietly. in a friendly supper." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Where, indeed?" I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the guilty one." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept to-night's adventure." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "It goes to the housekeeper's room." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly to surprise her." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. be best to do. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "'Yes, I promise.' I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "It is his hat." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, go back?" humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the the coronet in his hand?" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "I am in hopes that she does." lectures into a series of tales." "But I am all in the dark." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, this as likely?" to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his God! What an exposure! What can I do?" to go into your room and bar your shutters?" broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are discontent upon his features. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow hard-headed British jury." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "It was an hour's good drive." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, she slowly sank and died without having recovered her tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about confronted him. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington