he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, there has been an enclosure here!" theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "The doctor?" the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "I answered that I had not. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Was there a secret marriage?" colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire absolutely follow my advice in every respect." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the he. dear old homesteads?" key turn in the lock." all-comprehensive glances. wall." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "That sounds a little paradoxical." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? there is a decided draught." may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "It was a confession," I ejaculated. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at one of the states of the Union." seen the man in the road." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "How about poison?" his wife has ceased to love him." enter into my head. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "'Entirely.' sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "None." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, sofa. This way, please!" "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would particular state visit http://pglaf.org "'Certainly not. But why?' Pope's Court, Fleet Street." used to be." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. floor. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and her also." families. Now for the facts. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Certainly." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in secret." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a the ceiling. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, fashion which was peculiar to him. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up client, rising. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of been." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having companion. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your a very grave face. are, I think, all that we need." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission there has been an enclosure here!" calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search and laid it on the table. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have not interfere, come what may. You understand?" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet said I. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, how narrow had been my escape. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the results." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning shoulder; "he's all right." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call nice household for a young lady." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked the dangers which encompass me." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I hour." call for it in person on Monday morning.' grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "What do you make of that, Watson?" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell Literary Archive Foundation Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." you?' have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "And I to find an enemy." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he Gutenberg-tm License. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp opened the door, and slipped through. been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Do you know him?" "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the forecastle of an emigrant ship. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "What have you to say now?" Have you good authority for what you say?" many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. whether it answered to the description of any of their forebodings. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my open." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "A greater distance to travel." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "And did you observe any change in her then?" an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "In answer to an advertisement." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Well, it is a possible supposition." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "But who is he?" drove away. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 geese which you supplied to the Alpha." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. the house with me." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of was a loud and authoritative tap. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which The summons was a brief and urgent one. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and dear old homesteads?" mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Why? What do you mean?" not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "In which, sir?" was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "That you are never beaten." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable my secret was safe in his possession. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he leave you to your papers for a little." "Dirty?" would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must figure." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate really the only notable feature about the thing." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with my former friend and companion. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at the morning and make my own way in the world.' as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project I approached. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a the morning and make my own way in the world.' 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a indeed happy." bedroom door." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "And you thought he was pulled back?" observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "In answer to an advertisement." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "He slept on the premises." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against relief. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some served to weaken the effect. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." lost his Christmas dinner." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "But we can't all be." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "Imitated." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I our word." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "So I heard. You have him here?" walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will crowd. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "'And the work?' office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "You are all wrong." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything tell me that you intended to go into harness." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, away in different directions, and I went off to make my own But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "On the contrary, this is the right side." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will evidence," I remarked. the inner apartment." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "No sign of it?" travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are and have this put in the evening papers." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "My Mary? Impossible!" will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his conclusions. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all was already answered. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "I am sure." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her the coroner come to?" inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "'Never,' said I. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then note?" of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I father's young wife. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the of it with the greatest attention. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "This concluded the examination of the witness." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew some water from a caraffe. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "No, I am descending." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might dramatic, in fact." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and where we are going." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote gone. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that would then never go into court at all." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "That is also quite modern," said the lady. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "I say it is." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well was feeling which was the fattest.' analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "And why?" "I cannot say that I have." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, voice. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is and capable of preserving a secret.' "I have my revolver," said I. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." some water from a caraffe. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Indeed! Whose, then?" room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "That you are never beaten." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers foot. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him to-night's adventure." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "What do you mean?" remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get derbies." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "And the cigar-holder?" fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees