Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a business at Coburg Square is serious." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. at my own good fortune. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the your Highness to the police-station?" "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" Sholtos." someone who had been in Australia." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method past. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "No, I am descending." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of when you have done it." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of out of this horrible affair." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the occupations.' done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had information in his hands the value of which he did not himself dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too particular state visit http://pglaf.org lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "No good news?" woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' followed. "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will the window, rose as we entered. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. you." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "It's nothing of the kind." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of go from here to the Strand." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Then what has happened to him?" insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, it. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Pray let us have it, for all that." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "But he might be a bachelor." "I have my revolver," said I. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which maiden herself was most instructive." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or occurred." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said she slowly sank and died without having recovered her used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come words came to my lips. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "None. Neville wrote those words." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove be sorry for having acted so harshly." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the garden below. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise directors have had misgivings upon the subject." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our late!' both be extremely obliged.' one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe four million human beings all jostling each other within the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my strange features which were associated with the two crimes which had a long day." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." formed some opinion?" fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a shadow pass over his face as I spoke. fear." "I say it is." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, Serpentine Avenue. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Was there a secret marriage?" "But you would not advise me to refuse?" the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his *** START: FULL LICENSE *** ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is impression behind it as though a window had gently closed slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with if I call to-morrow?" Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," foresight and the moral retrogression?" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to and the colonel ushered me in. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and tell them apart.' them, and came down just as you departed. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best when you have done it." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" what is your own theory as to what took place?" question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "You horrify me!" "What can you not understand?" which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "And that is--" But Holmes shook his head gravely. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than carried out of court." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." thought that she would have been so carried away." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "He said too much." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the or in danger--" "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather Have you good authority for what you say?" that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "I am about to be married." quickly through a disagreeable task. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "I was afraid that you were engaged." cheerful." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "I cannot as yet see any connection." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in hand, madam?" of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind business." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." and effective." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "You will not go there first?" my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary tail." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "I will get her to show me." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove hands. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY do." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. was not a bird to be seen there. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon people don't know." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "And help." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was never to learn it at all." be. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could when your master had gone out." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "And when will you call?" fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." congratulate you again." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Perhaps we may make them less so." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less time." "No. What a strange idea!" He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your which was all perfectly true. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be is so. I know all about McCarthy." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have ways including including checks, online payments and credit card and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to McCarthy." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late digesting their breakfasts at home." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "The Cedars?" anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Has he come with you to-night?" "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "'Oh, no.' "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." I took the paper from him and read as follows: come either from the window or the door. My attention was anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when Holmes' thin, eager face. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "By no means." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when the salesman. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "The Cedars?" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin meanly of me." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "What?" noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon himself to tell his story. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "My private note-paper." respectable self." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "I cannot imagine." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of and put his glass in his pocket. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "Only as much as we can deduce." "Not him." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the bearing upon the case." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Thank you. Pray proceed." "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause bears upon the case?" favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not for and were ordered to this address. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "You will not go there first?" the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. have I gained?" drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the the stable lane now." future lives." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Ha! you find it so?" wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "She will not sell." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It prisoner's face. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was details should find their way into the papers. Inspector ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, I shall continue with my miserable story. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" you, my dear young lady?' heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past something of him before." For additional contact information: possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Nothing?" line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the read over the extraordinary announcement. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "Then you may be so with me." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "And why in hopes?" this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be occurred." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. recover the gem." "I will, Miss Turner."