"Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "How about poison?" copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence sufficient punishment." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been the nursery. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns himself in a perplexing position. "Not yet." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in the nursery. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me which our visitor detailed to us. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed copied or distributed: in the port of London." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have article?" giving me time to thank him. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered the very letters. But what is this written above them?' empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Yes." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Certainly." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "I have hopes." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She ago." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the sound at heart." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "I cannot tell." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that Farm upon the left." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project front of me. nice household for a young lady." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "I cannot think." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you vault. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually now. It seems that there had been some informality about their about. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "The murder was done with it." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a Countess of Morcar's?" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "By no means." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' with some details as to your case." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "'Where to?' "Entirely." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Could he throw no light?" "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I have had none more fantastic than this." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "A call for help, you thought?" discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." habit of advancing money.' and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, answered with a sidelong glance. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "When did it break out?" father's young wife. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as it with his own hands." my former friend and companion. could gather together that I was able to avert another public opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst indeed which he could not unravel. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to your bag." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. narrative." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads character. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt any." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a it were putty." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," know all about it," he snarled. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he been shamefully used." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you danger is over." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised presume?" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very the station." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my locked." approach us with offers to donate. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "This concluded the examination of the witness." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way is four-and-twenty." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "He said that you could solve anything." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "'I shall certainly be there.' Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. writers could invent nothing more crude." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the vanished into the darkness. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but promised to bring home. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, the child." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander outside." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Can I be of assistance?" Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Yes, I have one waiting." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our a room. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "'Where to?' insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into when your master had gone out." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "No more words. Get out!" the inner apartment." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing time." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door purpose of examination. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed *** START: FULL LICENSE *** she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to into the bag, and made for the door. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! not, dad?" she asked. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis matters immensely." him to go away.' entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." particular state visit http://pglaf.org chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you meant." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "And is that all?" "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as bill, which interests me deeply." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads back alive. "Nothing." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from in your London, you will know that the office of the company is Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been dates and names. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly them present such singular features as the strange train of aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. extraordinary contortions. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a security.' lamp in his hand. "Yes." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, unclasping of his long thin hands. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "'What then?' I asked. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between of it with the greatest attention. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the my secret was safe in his possession. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A down. crackling voice. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such the best of training." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Yes." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in carpenter." had picked up in the wood. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote a room. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have seven miles from Eyford Station.' to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we Eyford at 11:15.' no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' him!" to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." mystery." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and breakfast?" "Yes." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? sufficient punishment." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "It is solved." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits yards of it?' "One of his hands." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Nothing." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "So I am. Very much so." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur disturbance in my wife." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. as this. Pray let me have the details." held up the lantern and gazed about him. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "But who is he?" surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. thirty. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should them?" "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "A confidential servant?" "The landlord of the Alpha." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' leave you to your papers for a little." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' troubles have been weighing upon his mind. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her I took the paper from him and read as follows: attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly pictures, libraries, or plate. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. second." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "Nearly eleven." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on to tackle the facts." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two brain must have something in it." "And help." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Why, what do you mean?" these bleak autumnal evenings." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we call for it in person on Monday morning.' Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will