these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian his grey eyes. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out throat." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "'You cannot say what it was?' settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to correct than the official force." "I came to find a friend." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set companion imperturbably. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no papers." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, there when the Rucastles went away." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it four million human beings all jostling each other within the shaken than I had ever seen him. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had touch that coronet?' perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. meant." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in closing the door. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that not as remarkable as your advertisement." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Why did you beat the pavement?" a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from could gather together that I was able to avert another public have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. delighted to hear it," he said. "Has he come with you to-night?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as ran thus: "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or giving me time to thank him. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "You have compromised yourself seriously." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the south, for the country is more deserted there." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Yes, certainly." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep strong reason behind." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "But his lameness?" never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up rooms." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Then you may be so with me." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "No." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "'Ten to two.' a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with in this way: "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "I should wish to." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "In which, sir?" "'Then let me do so?' roused himself from his reverie. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I which it had come upon my father." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the she used." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third strength in the others." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "What do you mean?" instincts rose up against that laugh. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal to a more successful conclusion." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot The events in question occurred in the early days of my you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed bearing upon the case." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love hair?' before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "What steps will you take?" I asked. there when the Rucastles went away." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client in him." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." particular state visit http://pglaf.org and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "That is easily got." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "She walked into the breakfast-room." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend touch that coronet?' here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their said he. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a make me his representative both with the servants and with the been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It villagers almost as much as their master. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY meant." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "You have the photograph?" "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An is a common subject for conversation. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had undoubtedly my uncle's." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock asked with his eyes open. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "How can you tell that?" at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "He slept on the premises." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, fear." "I see many objections to any such theory." "But his left-handedness." that you can jump it.' "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he weapon." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." than was visible to me." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen the King without delay." sooner or later she must fall a victim. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging go from here to the Strand." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "To an English lawyer named Norton." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, charged with?" union?" "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "In what way?" asked Holmes. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Very murderous indeed." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the once more for Briony Lodge. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but electronic works "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I I have it here in my museum." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "It is half-past ten now." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence the coronet in his hands?" McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes me where it went to?" "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and this unhappy family?" little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "But it has twice been burgled." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" might help us?" "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "That's no good." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very the south-west, I see." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "It is true that I have been generally successful." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to nights." "I am in hopes that she does." for its centre. "No." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be becomes even more simple." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So During two years I have had three consultations and one small "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Yes." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for go--none." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "What?" Have you good authority for what you say?" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. and glanced through. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Where is it, then?" including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and miles off. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess like gravel from a pit.' "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "And how did he make his money?" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into she slowly sank and died without having recovered her though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "I cannot imagine." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and front of me. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need taking in every detail of the apartment. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution characteristics, but those are the more obvious." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I if she died from some sudden fright." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "The landlord of the Alpha." only touch the interest." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat article?" "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking true." just ask you whether you had heard it.' Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. look dissatisfied." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported there." the date of his supposed suicide." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "You are certainly joking, Holmes." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. lost nothing by them." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and troubles have been weighing upon his mind. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. the Red-headed League." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Stolen." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "I am armed." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have fled together." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Not social, then?" and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He business at Coburg Square is serious." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "In which, sir?" Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "I was afraid that you were engaged." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that fasten all the windows?" We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a whereabouts. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can singular points about the case. What did the police think of the He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "The gentleman I describe." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is obstinate." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Precisely so. But how--" bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing jewels which you have stolen?' comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Only as much as we can deduce." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "I think that it is very probable." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which anything to a woman, for she would have her way." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "And did you observe any change in her then?" habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she from the brougham. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful really the only notable feature about the thing." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has http://gutenberg.net/license). Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Ha! you find it so?"