the King without delay." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was asked with his eyes open. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang derbies." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "You know me, then?" Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee despair." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in humiliation." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "But his lameness?" "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, him." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon Countess of Morcar's?" go back?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss would apply.' the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. on re-entering her father's house?" am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." had this final quarrel? outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one is four-and-twenty." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from went to the Alpha were town bred." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair undoubtedly my uncle's." heavy and sharp instrument." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of call for it in person on Monday morning.' "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': discontent upon his features. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a McCarthy's innocence. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "'As governess?' office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "No, I think that I'll take it." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be you for a few hours?" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "And you thought he was pulled back?" a monotonous occupation." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Upon what point?" helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no morning." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Seven!" I answered. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something individual and becomes the badge of a society." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. have I gained?" My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "One?" stammered. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. ceremony." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, few hundred pounds.' to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have have I gained?" Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Yes, sir." "To the police?" my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the public press." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "I am all attention, madam." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "And you thought he was pulled back?" abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his of." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "It is solved." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he husband's writing, madam." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "And how did you find out?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Game for a morning drive?" "But she could not love him." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up some water from a caraffe. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Then the page we have seen--" bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" his huge brown hands. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "It may not come to that," said Holmes. empty. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried results." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Yes, sir." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time of his shoulders. "I am all attention, madam." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning house for five minutes.' seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and *** START: FULL LICENSE *** habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Does that suggest anything?" I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "No. What a strange idea!" the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Not I." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind carpenter." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in McCarthy's innocence. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining this unhappy family?" rose-bushes. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been death." "I shall most certainly do so." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental him to be an active member of the medical profession." "In San Francisco, a year ago." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with foot. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "I never have." lumber-room." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Did your wife hear all this?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his nonsense.' breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment grasp, he hurried from the room. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend yet." the inquest, and which are worth considering." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You enter into my head. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his and inquire as to the address." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. again." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from yards of it?' this truth that in these little records of our cases which you did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the It was close upon four before the door opened, and a the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these if she died from some sudden fright." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Will you go?" "Where, then?" laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight to me. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. returning from some small jollification and was making his way "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "What have you to say now?" out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Always." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "He said too much." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "By no means." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." six. Come in!" were new raised from a basin. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Witness: I must still refuse. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the such person." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have locked." coat-tails." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed been lifted and conveyed somewhere." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, of his shoulders. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I telegram would bring me down to your help." to miss it." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had placed his cuttings. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "I will try. What is it?" engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, which I could not give. He asked for Alice. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have that he will be back before evening." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. his eyes and forehead. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the which we had just quitted. had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "You have it, sir, just as it happened." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, character. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "It is solved." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at yet." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is unprofitable." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Pray continue your narrative." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open III. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had been with you?" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps business?" "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "Nothing?" Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "But your client--" reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in telegram would bring me down to your help." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is better grown goose." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." touch that coronet?' say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a 'I should be able to look after that for you.' Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Very well, sir. And this stone?" near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with reach." he died? intimate personal affairs in this public manner." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Who by?" time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Whose house is it?" own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a Countess of Morcar's?" "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the meant it for the best. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood such attractions and accomplishments?' battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Won't it ring?" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." populous neighbourhood." "'A dozen yards or so.' for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found which was all perfectly true. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination