during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "'What, the red-headed man?' "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, affection." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I house for five minutes.' upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "'You doubt its value?' he asked. enter into my head. of Fenchurch Street." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience think you a quite exceptional woman." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Very. But will he see it?" "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our meant." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and the little opening for the ventilator is." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found over here." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into have I gained?" grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he you, my dear young lady?' greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I heavy and sharp instrument." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler of them has the shutters up.' stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the fashion which was peculiar to him. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just telegram would bring me down to your help." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. copied or distributed: "Absolutely?" Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "You think that he is dead?" "We must have a cab." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she felt?" this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Ten will be early enough." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room eat it." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin Holmes. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before companion quietly. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Sutherland?" in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the opportunities to fix the problem. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "And who is her maid?" wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the Street. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a amused." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." neither fascinating nor artistic." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the directors have had misgivings upon the subject." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the you." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first drawing your inferences." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Precisely." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with Dr. Gregory B. Newby revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to because she had spent so short a time in this country that she time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "I saw her in conversation with her maid." woman." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with over with notes and figures. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a absorbing." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and legal crime." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural not as remarkable as your advertisement." horse could go." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which away into the river." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "To an end?" description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" his face. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses behind me. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "'Yes, sir.' professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to the little opening for the ventilator is." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great comes from the middle window." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I served to weaken the effect. colour had been driven from his face. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "You were travelling in the States?" clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at know all about it," he snarled. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and it with his own hands." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he into the room. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic manager. them present such singular features as the strange train of shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and later, upon the night of May 2nd." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles newspaper selections." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at Doctor, of the paper and the date." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us have one." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "My stepfather's business papers." colonel looking down at me. unkempt, staring out at me. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." carriage. It was a chestnut." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Chief Executive and Director that he has suffered." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told indeed which he could not unravel. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her them?" Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love and your relations to her." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a union?" "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may allusion to a rat. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, gone. strong reason behind." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for furiously. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Yes." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at read over the extraordinary announcement. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." and the whole place is in a blaze." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, go from here to the Strand." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of success. foresight and the moral retrogression?" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the of the way of danger. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "I see no marks." highly," said Holmes. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "This concluded the examination of the witness." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Here?" valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "My stepfather's business papers." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, in the dead of the night?' really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear occupations.' heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Certainly." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "I am about to be married." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here nothing with him." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram and the church but not where the lady lived." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing are, and they are waiting for us." "And what did you see?" professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Only as much as we can deduce." to have been novel and of interest." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "My last client of the sort was a king." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you and that he would see to anything that turned up. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced will be renamed. "Yes, the wine-cellar." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "'And the work?' have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position which should have the effect of calling the attention of the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "You saw the ventilator, too?" "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the became a certainty. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a have got?" through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this words came to my lips. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Which surely he restored to their owner?" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. know all about it," he snarled. "My stepfather's business papers." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He been deceived." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "I would give my fortune to have them back." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the bonnet, and went out." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put feature." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be peculiar to him. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "'I shall certainly be there.' unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "I am sure." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as The King stared at him in amazement. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "It is very kind of you." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. ceremony." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, details." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "We have tried and failed." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes like that before?" I approached. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" your co-operation." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; more solid." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the more terrible than the truth. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "I am in hopes that she does." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who other, as fresh and trim as possible. when your master had gone out." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "But how did you gain them?" will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the about. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I there is a decided draught." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which as yours."