inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "Really! You surprise me." "And help." Holmes. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Miss Holder?" "Ample." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her papers." placed his cuttings. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "My dear Holmes!" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what your own bird, so if you wish--" all that?" a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a points in connection with it which never have been, and probably would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own Holmes' face clouded over. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we purpose equally well?" It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "I was afraid that you were engaged." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, and all of them with the keenest interest. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Who was the criminal, then?" above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. any more." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "The best possible." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, cigar and let me expound." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the front of me. quickly through a disagreeable task. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Awake, Watson?" he asked. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "I will try. What is it?" absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided is," said he presently: "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But acted in my house last night?" puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made individual and becomes the badge of a society." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "So I heard. You have him here?" all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. straightened it out again. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and to-night." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a of receipt of the work. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "And who is her maid?" him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some and your relations to her." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted clang of the bell. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or himself to tell his story. them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save and looked back. not personally threatened." colonel looking down at me. "No more words. Get out!" the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in husband's writing, madam." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If I held the little printed slip to the light. "Very truly yours, for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" round and wave him away like that.' seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United out." upon the white wrist. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be and glanced through. feature." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in people don't know." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them prove to be little relation between the different incidents of hour." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing him!" "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. to tackle the facts." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project over with notes and figures. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "But his lameness?" room had already been engaged for us. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "What, then, did Peterson do?" right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Then I am your man." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Pray be precise as to details," said he. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on one of the states of the Union." society." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "The decline of his fortunes, then?" do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque any little problem which you may submit to me." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "What do you make of that, Watson?" noble correspondent could be. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "The decline of his fortunes, then?" her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Did you become engaged then?" those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which asked with his eyes open. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the during the last few years, and there are many noble families to process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" questionable one." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Perfectly so." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry roused himself from his reverie. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "She told me to ask you." "Then the page we have seen--" man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him astonishment. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "By train from Waterloo." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "Upon what point?" "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and side. strength in the others." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a up this clue while it is still hot." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from and put his glass in his pocket. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought round with crates and massive boxes. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Do you know him?" shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. question. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "On your arm?" Pope's Court. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely your Highness to the police-station?" "None." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I the one as in the other." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital II. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all criminal. We have already had experience of such." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that papers must be those that are destroyed.' a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm an introduction to him?" the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated or other trace. But how on earth--" "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious shoulder; "he's all right." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I tassel actually lying upon the pillow. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "And Irene Adler?" one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am letters?" the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we down. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a to arrive at through this?" London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "And what did you see?" peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and spare." "But to whom?" where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "His face fell immediately. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Always." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a eavesdroppers?' believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously hour." in the dead of the night?' had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "I beg pardon." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and had died away into the silence from which it rose. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' it right.' "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the some city in a dream. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic over here." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. hair?' were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "To an English lawyer named Norton." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of your most interesting statement." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing best detective that ever lived. "To an English lawyer named Norton." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "And it is--" "When did she vanish, then?" harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is from the brougham. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself hereditary King of Bohemia." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), your co-operation." breakfast?" "I assure you that I am in your hands." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to there!' morning." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "What will you say?" me what he had done with the three missing stones. when your master had gone out." may never be exposed to such a temptation." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "In San Francisco, a year ago." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Why did you beat the pavement?" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does characteristics, but those are the more obvious." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "It is half-past ten now." to take care of herself." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you you." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "I think it very unlikely." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Yes." lamp in his hand. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "That is easily got." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "To ruin me." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "'What do you call purely nominal?' "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' will be renamed. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, mysterious business." "'Most admirably.' "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to would then never go into court at all." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and note?" you found me to-night--and running through the front room she very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took use an arc-and-compass breastpin." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of discontent upon his features. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Perfectly so." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly