"Entirely." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before lost nothing by them." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "I will do it." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Married! When?" surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and one else, I think." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Yes." "But the mystery?" "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with has little to do with my story." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Tired-looking or fresh?" the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from you want, then?' "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious colonel looking down at me. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "What! Had he lost his wife?" studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "I cannot imagine." "Was he the only applicant?" "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "But his lameness?" someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis should be so warm over such a trifle." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of it. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so knowledge of the world." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some three of the beryls in it, was missing. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have if only as a check to my own memory." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am someone who had been in Australia." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have Holmes. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I here." "Seven!" I answered. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were remarked. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point already referred to. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "How long did she speak to this Alice?" more solid." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" His smile broadened. "How did that help you?" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "In answer to an advertisement." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." bearing upon the case." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." once more for Briony Lodge. "Well, but China?" number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "How on earth--" here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "And you don't know his address?" open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last very morning of my second wedding." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Perhaps I have." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "One of his hands." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are more solid." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "You horrify me!" breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty his grey eyes. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "And it is--" rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of me upon any point which I do not make clear." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be sufficient punishment." "I am all attention, madam." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I gigantic client. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their article?" and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his desk. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. cheerful." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "His face fell immediately. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and Heh?' shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you was feeling which was the fattest.' colonel looking down at me. "'Never.' for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with said he. money should be paid at once.' Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "I am still in the dark." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to Holmes. "Yes." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his daring than any effort of the imagination." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and most important business. It is probable that he will be away all breakfast?" unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "It is very clear." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am companion quietly. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would know what is wrong with it.' "And how have you succeeded?" Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook Clair, of Lee." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up what I may call a really hard day's work." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "You think that he is dead?" vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Have you her photograph?" of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as if I call to-morrow?" starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Could he throw no light?" unprecedented a position." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "I do." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. was a perfect sample of the class. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "No." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made chemical work which was so dear to him. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not way in everything. touch that coronet?' "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. recover the gem." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing looking up at the numbers of the houses." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "I cannot imagine." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a matter over." "I shall be delighted." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her away into the river." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk despair." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, spare." "It is very kind of you." "None." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible call for it in person on Monday morning.' Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps to have been novel and of interest." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at clang of the bell. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." answer." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the followed. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "So I heard. You have him here?" that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet dramatic, in fact." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which purpose of examination. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By room had already been engaged for us. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "What! Had he lost his wife?" Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court him!" made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to points to suicide?" "And the murderer?" "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat other, as fresh and trim as possible. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through and I shall be with you presently." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again remarked. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "None." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Very murderous indeed." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these one of the states of the Union." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH what these perils are?" "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post intrusion of other matters." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "'In my own bureau.' "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "She will not sell." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "But you have hopes?" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've acquaintance?" prisoner's face. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "10th. John Swain cleared. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the results." at home. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who open." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "'And what salary do you ask?' at my own good fortune. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I if I call to-morrow?" and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes.