later, upon the night of May 2nd." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "You know me, then?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." the nursery. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a became a certainty. heavy and sharp instrument." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately mystery." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for in. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to always that they were such commands as a lady might with at a side door. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." and all of them with the keenest interest. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "What then?" bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Then he might have called to you?" was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "I have a cab outside." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Thank you. And your address?" husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me suspect him." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Yes, sir." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to kind enough to tell me what I should do." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has you give your casting vote to?" peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth McCarthy." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, seen the man in the road." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "Yes, but only for you and me." this Miss Turner." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do if only as a check to my own memory." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of what do you think they found in the pockets?" which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "But how will you look?" the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, man. I know him from the photograph." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the seven miles from Eyford Station.' door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked considering the formidable letters which were received by himself were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "And your mother is alive?" me what he had done with the three missing stones. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, Doctor, of the paper and the date." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the and capable of preserving a secret.' he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Did your wife hear all this?" delighted to hear it," he said. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady them present such singular features as the strange train of beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange answered with a sidelong glance. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, fasten all the windows?" "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Have you good authority for what you say?" without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "He slept on the premises." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit and put his glass in his pocket. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of them, and came down just as you departed. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Nothing." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It enter Dr. Roylott's room." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "To an end?" wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Where is it, then?" of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and how narrow had been my escape. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "How did that help you?" sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "'Yes, it was gone.' Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you held up the lantern and gazed about him. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, furiously. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." pierced for earrings?" My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the presented more singular features than that which was associated "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that I took the paper from him and read as follows: "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and points to suicide?" inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "If I can be of use." compunction about shooting them down." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 their singular warning or token before them when starting upon to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Yes." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want Surrey." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." confronted him. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "What are they?" towards the blaze. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was which it had come upon my father." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." what these perils are?" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, as this. Pray let me have the details." "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have with the outside air!" How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a to where he stood hid behind the curtain. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the girl said." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let been shamefully used." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled minor matters until to-morrow." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step get her out of the way." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must jewels which you have stolen?' opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side second." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "And that is--" certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "And it is--" gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Has he come with you to-night?" stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Thank you. And your address?" fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From following enigmatical notices: His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager easy-going way." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook chance at all." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn lumber-room." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." the bottom.' man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Of what?" "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story shall not find me ungrateful." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "He might." bachelor.' I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at breakfast?" chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon me." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you himself to tell his story. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "One horse?" interjected Holmes. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with strong and stiff." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. writers could invent nothing more crude." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary deduce something from that?" pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is a monotonous occupation." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "'It is locked up,' I answered. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over to have been novel and of interest." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small of it with the greatest attention. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "That you are never beaten." "The Cedars?" business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "It must be recovered." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the indiscretion." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which voice, changing her seat as requested. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of was not a bird to be seen there. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and when you have done it." "Yes." telegram would bring me down to your help." "One?" before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in considering the formidable letters which were received by himself shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be mystery!" groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. conclusions. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "When did it break out?" daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a village inn over there?" "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Frequently." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what