greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she writing, and yet I know it well." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking Farm upon the left." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door disturbance in my wife." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "And on what day did he meet his death?" neither fascinating nor artistic." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never foot. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." approach us with offers to donate. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own plantation.' posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "No legal papers or certificates?" the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of Miss Holder?" "Precisely so. But how--" charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think works. "Was he the only applicant?" article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Yes, sir." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is might help us?" the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "'What, the red-headed man?' "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as in the hope of finding them." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the hurried by. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Precisely." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." standing smiling on the door-step. "By no means." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, other, as fresh and trim as possible. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. his wife has ceased to love him." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "And you can do nothing until then?" "Will you bet, then?" "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with http://www.gutenberg.net suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "I promise," said Holmes. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." the date of his supposed suicide." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "And help." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see trifles." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush chair. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and points in connection with it which never have been, and probably rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "My own seal." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "I have come for advice." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of voice. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he towards the blaze. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would writing, and yet I know it well." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "And how did you verify them?" that he will be back before evening." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to 'please.'" words came to my lips. "Then, as to money?" "I shall most certainly do so." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their my little problems." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and few hundred pounds.' it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you the roots. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Texas, I think." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said him." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two eavesdroppers?' business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately sound at heart." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Yes." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some to-night's adventure." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "None. Neville wrote those words." "Well, some hundreds of times." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if with you alone." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "But how did you gain them?" extraordinary contortions. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Not particularly." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window prisoner's face. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "It goes to the housekeeper's room." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Yes, but only for you and me." are windows in it, of course?" seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Pray let us have it, for all that." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her evidence," I remarked. might help us?" rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, the ceiling. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "But she will refuse." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young be. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old astonishment. where we are going." whereabouts. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the voice. "That's no good." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought despaired of." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some there were so many in the whole country as were brought together her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was open." "Yes." "'In my own bureau.' his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" was keenly on my guard against him. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Bought." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a your only hope of safety." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" the bed, and you in that chair." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some page at http://pglaf.org "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' down from London to inquire more deeply into it." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a States. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my soul! here is her carriage at the door." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "I have seen the police." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the and inquire as to the address." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and prisoner's face. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a passage and a tap at the door. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered national property. I was determined that the law should have its to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found undoubtedly my uncle's." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner British peeress.'" force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and this poor creature." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a Pool. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "9th. McCauley cleared. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. locked." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "You have a clue?" manager. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Was he the only applicant?" what I may call a really hard day's work." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her him, that man would not have given me such complete information With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "I came to find a friend." miles off. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or conceal it?" at a side door. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the important." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "If so, much may have happened between." like that before?" minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "I was certainly surprised to find you there." my little problems." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "10th. John Swain cleared. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "I say it is." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "'Certainly,' I answered. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so stepfather?" "'Is purely nominal.' away in different directions, and I went off to make my own round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and and looked back. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. this poor creature." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, said he, "my real name is James Ryder." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of place no limit on the sum I may draw." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but nights." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and him. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "None." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "'You cannot say what it was?' the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a retorted upon me, and I on you." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it at home. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I which we had just quitted. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, recover the gem." at a side door. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away new duties?' And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually to take care of herself." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the the coronet at all injured?" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has From what you have told me I think that it is possible that find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had my friend's incisive reasoning. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. little adventures." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "No." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. four million human beings all jostling each other within the when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and official police." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Perhaps we may make them less so." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "You did not overhear what they said?" known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and crowd. been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a charged with?" "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. certainly do as you advise." nice household for a young lady." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I touch that coronet?' will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the