He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "I am to be neutral?" no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in he. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem which it had come upon my father." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "A greater distance to travel." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and house for five minutes.' she used." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout skylight. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "'Entirely.' closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Mary, has deserted me." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Won't it ring?" the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to the King without delay." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in jewels which you have stolen?' "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Where, indeed?" bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Why did you beat the pavement?" were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson such attractions and accomplishments?' have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That man. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "'Tell me all about it,' said I. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My unprofitable." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his because she had spent so short a time in this country that she of his shoulders. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, could go. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Where did you address your letters, then?" while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your him." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to not come at once?" believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Tired-looking or fresh?" should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "I was mad--insane." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Did you observe the colour?" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face Leave Paddington by the 11:15." lumber-room." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "No bad?" two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." that you can jump it.' Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just wanted for ourselves." "'It is locked up,' I answered. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp always that they were such commands as a lady might with round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." see me here to avoid scandal." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "But your client--" the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a is," said he presently: police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Stoke Moran?" said he. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Just look it up, then." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose the running down." Eyford at 11:15.' Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of in a friendly supper." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it chair. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to morning." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to garden below. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "And Miss Sutherland?" "I have hopes." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "None." before, for it was considerably after midnight. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came towards the blaze. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he the date of his supposed suicide." followed. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and a monotonous occupation." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and awkward doing business with an alias." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of Heh?' geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the bachelor.' "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," works. See paragraph 1.E below. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "Ample." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down of campaign. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed detective. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "But how could you guess what the motive was?" may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had about here speaks of his kindness to him." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "And why?" pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow ventilator." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I go from here to the Strand." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The little trying to do so much typewriting?" would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that what I may call a really hard day's work." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more secret." "What office?" impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "It's nothing of the kind." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was written. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me said I. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Yes, that is the Crown." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not at my remark. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our look upon these things in a different way." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Who by?" the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of know what is wrong with it.' would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "How do you know, then?" you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "It was." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and it? Did I buy the geese off you?" she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "My private note-paper." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend It was close upon four before the door opened, and a product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The weighed down with some great anxiety. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "But I have heard all that you have heard." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Always." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm so far?" said Mr. Holder. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "How did you trace it, then?" I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," wife's character?" not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that eat it." me where it went to?" but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "I cannot imagine." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away down. Gutenberg-tm License. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "If so, much may have happened between." gone. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about page at http://pglaf.org however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' behind me. "He is still with you, I presume?" "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he colonel looking down at me. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "How on earth--" I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "What have you to say now?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you stood on the top of it. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for as this. Pray let me have the details." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab me." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." man. I know him from the photograph." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of danger is over." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room examine." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet hair?' impression behind it as though a window had gently closed liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments stammered. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Well, it is a possible supposition." "'Ten to two.' "Yes, sir." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a lectures into a series of tales." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you anything to a woman, for she would have her way." rat could hardly pass through." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Ah!" Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at once more for Briony Lodge. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where sake, don't!" I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "And what did you learn from him?" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too present." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he daring than any effort of the imagination." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "You are hungry," I remarked. something of him before." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in it right.' recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and unclasping of his long thin hands. "No, I am descending." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. he died? "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "But he might be a bachelor." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." in the port of London." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own night.' said he. "No." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "And your mother is alive?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." important." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their was feeling which was the fattest.' as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "A call for help, you thought?" must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "She showed me, as I told you she would." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me least a most suspicious remark." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to