pictures, libraries, or plate. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my Miss Holder?" "Have you her photograph?" slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "And I say east," said my patient. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to papers on the sundial.'" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it your equipment. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done were new raised from a basin. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Certainly." "Your presence might be invaluable." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as so far?" how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the point in the dark hollow of his hand. the general public were present, then?" tightly behind him. "Nothing?" Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very himself to hunt down. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly corner of the building. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't carried out of court." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. tell me that you intended to go into harness." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Yes, it would be as well." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. help us in this matter." second." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and crime." your sleep?' whereabouts. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of remarked. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next highly," said Holmes. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Yes." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could friend's singular character. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "But how?" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He prison!" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the astonishment. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the acquaintance?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said Gutenberg-tm License. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure Have you good authority for what you say?" should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such system of imprisonment?" have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "No good news?" "Eh? What was that?" "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "But how could you guess what the motive was?" are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside outside. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the mystery!" "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Here?" many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "If so, much may have happened between." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which out of this horrible affair." maid will bring up your coffee." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Is he quiet?" way in." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might within hail.' "'I have already given you my word.' are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "He said too much." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Yes, but only for you and me." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Yes, all." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that of note-paper. It read in this fashion: Lee, in the county of Kent." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every your only hope of safety." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Dr. Becher's." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so him, that man would not have given me such complete information that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "I cannot say that I have." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building the warnings." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. photograph?" "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Of what?" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "It was a confession," I ejaculated. awkward doing business with an alias." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "When did she vanish, then?" "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, eavesdroppers?' weary and pale-looking. upon an income of about 60 pounds." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "Whose house is it?" finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we throat." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows closing the door. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "I will get her to show me." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A interested in these little problems, and since you are good Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "And what did you see?" which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "In what way?" asked Holmes. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Just look it up, then." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong placed his cuttings. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the entirely lost his self-respect." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to is acting for the best. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it knowledge of the world." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I weigh very heavily upon my conscience." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "One horse?" interjected Holmes. and laid it on the table. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is simple cases which are so extremely difficult." pictures, libraries, or plate. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our papers diligently of late, have you not?" of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in recall any case within my experience which looked at the first wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "I am in hopes that she does." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "And Miss Sutherland?" his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any brandy and water within his reach. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is very morning of my second wedding." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a useful material for showing traces. The double line a little some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "'A dozen yards or so.' or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Stoke Moran?" said he. you." was already answered. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong about. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into and I shall be with you presently." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I used to be." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "Witness: I must still refuse. made him keep the appointment." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but Where does the thing come from?' have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "What will you do, then?" bears upon the case?" to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps closely." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few This is what he says: shoulder. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep will be renamed. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very me have 200 pounds?' of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You London for the present?" through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge been with you?" who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "I say that I have solved it." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the affection." furiously. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we maiden herself was most instructive." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. see me here to avoid scandal." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of helping a boy to put up the shutters. there was no need for father to know." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I not come at once?" chance at all." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call and all of them with the keenest interest. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I without success. At last the little money which I had saved began even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Seven!" I answered. bachelor.' family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been little adventures." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "None. Neville wrote those words." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be in a friendly supper." shall not find me ungrateful." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "When did it break out?" to his chemical studies. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks train.' reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered compunction about shooting them down." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "To ruin me." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. when you have done it." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Well." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "How about poison?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "It came here." other, as fresh and trim as possible. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the allusion to a rat. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman beyond words. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "I have seen the police." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most intimate personal affairs in this public manner." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us she has been waylaid. There has been no result." tell me that you intended to go into harness." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If