friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" go--none." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with My friend smiled. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a strong and stiff." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to was keenly on my guard against him. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself fire. You quite follow me?" the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, Leadenhall Street--and--" "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of made him keep the appointment." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the again." "And from a noble client?" "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, to take care of herself." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" me what he had done with the three missing stones. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Two days later this same performance was gone through under in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for for its centre. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do Leadenhall Street--and--" "Pray do so." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they heavily into it. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. me." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than fluttered off among the others. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips pity, because in other respects you would really have done very the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' happened." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can more terrible than the truth. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "No. What a strange idea!" much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me these bleak autumnal evenings." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all that threaten you." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "It looks newer than the other things?" "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it key turn in the lock." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture detective. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Dirty?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Bought." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a tapping his fingers upon the table. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey his face which made him a very different person to the round, gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but answer." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of You can understand that this register and diary may implicate very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the with some details as to your case." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray lost nothing by them." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of before the coroner and the police-court." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "No." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger ventilator." "Yes." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could front of the hall door has given its name to the place. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was indeed happy." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Then I am your man." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. ourselves in the office." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, happened." have established a very serious case against the son of the International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "There are none." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to asked. when your master had gone out." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. digesting their breakfasts at home." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "One horse?" interjected Holmes. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I bachelor.' "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and about. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Indeed! Whose, then?" "You don't mind breaking the law?" roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, washing it down with a long draught of water. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "It looks newer than the other things?" "I don't say that. Perhaps." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "And what then?" accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the this remarkable episode. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in and prosperity to your house. Good-night." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a shall use the carriage to-night." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" you in yours." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Not in the least." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "Come in!" said he. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was had died away into the silence from which it rose. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' you." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands thought that she would have been so carried away." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "But how will you look?" run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Did you become engaged then?" submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to do." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "This concluded the examination of the witness." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "'Yes, sir.' "Did your wife hear all this?" terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. rose-bushes. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Yes, that is the Crown." pierced for earrings?" thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "It is no ordinary one." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly assist you in forming an opinion." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced suspect him." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Arthur Conan Doyle position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out forbidden door. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case this as likely?" located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, she has been waylaid. There has been no result." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "What can it mean?" I gasped. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "'About the same.' felt?" "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this been with you?" what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in upon the sideboard." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "'Yes, it was gone.' Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the of the one which your family is now devouring." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this second window is the one that I jumped from." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "What can you not understand?" dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her man. I know him from the photograph." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped late!' do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "The doctor?" by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "This photograph!" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which of the way of danger. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "I assure you that I am in your hands." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." leaning back in his chair. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted opened a pocket-book and took out a note. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a derbies." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not bore every mark of being an average commonplace British George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. the matter." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive several quiet little villages up there." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "No legal papers or certificates?" She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately right! Sit down and let us talk it over." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in showing my impatience. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Because he was handy and would come cheap." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, I. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Ah, but I was recommended to you." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he outsides of the windows. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "I do." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." works. See paragraph 1.E below. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional breakfast?" "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Seven!" I answered. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his out." from the brougham. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." outsides of the windows. than to us. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off of them has the shutters up.' music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had eavesdroppers?' set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never brain must have something in it." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. said I. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique putting in the horse. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very that?' is," said he presently: of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together rooms." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "'Which dealer's?' benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the address. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to Gutenberg-tm License. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness in my life." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the sofa. This way, please!" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. sparkled upon his finger. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "I would give my fortune to have them back." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter that you saw all that I did." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "That is not always so easy." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a DAMAGE. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of roused himself from his reverie. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which daring than any effort of the imagination." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "'Ample.' appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are matter." "Why serious?" all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table is," said he presently: "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the your sleep?' were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "'Where could I find him?' benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have in darkness. "Yes, sir." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad,