floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush in his hands." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Pray tell us what has happened to you." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is gigantic client. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "What then?" here and I will read it to you: he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me will find little credit to be gained out of this case." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a row." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it presume?" travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. developed." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether sound at heart." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" tied." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence might help us?" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age meant it for the best. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "And now?" I asked. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name the Red-headed League." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "I am about to be married." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was right! Sit down and let us talk it over." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Who was the criminal, then?" informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not me have 200 pounds?' fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay I am not easy in my mind about them." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been open." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "No." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here in the hope of finding them." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction you." "I cannot tell." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a take the flies, but not before." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Now, then, what's the last entry?" before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, companion. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough the very morning of the wedding." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every was not a bird to be seen there. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save foot. "One of the highest in England." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and clanging. legal crime." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New and the colonel ushered me in. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, orange pips. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Yes?" interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the running down." minor matters until to-morrow." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Get out!" said he. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds Holmes' face clouded over. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to showing my impatience. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." sparkled upon his finger. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we memory. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "It is possible." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Murdered?" repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian soul! here is her carriage at the door." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" habit of advancing money.' the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such Clair, of Lee." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Witness: It was. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time later, upon the night of May 2nd." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "What then?" "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "None." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying nights." "The Coroner: What do you mean? particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham situation." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." had a long day." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "But we can't all be." "'I have heard so.' impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "But we can't all be." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do October 9, 1890. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "In answer to an advertisement." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me What do you deduce from it?" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots floor. "I was afraid that you were engaged." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place me. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a generous with you in money matters.' Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Nor running a chance of arrest?" promised to bring home. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right question. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "There is the writing." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "'And what are they worth?' I asked. congratulate you again." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at strong reason behind." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Deserted you?" are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "I assure you that I am in your hands." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his so.' "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and head. So long, then!" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began intrusion of other matters." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll friend's singular character. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER that you wished to speak to me?' look upon these things in a different way." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in think that he is innocent?" "But not more so than I to find you." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss flock.' I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and in his hands." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which information in his hands the value of which he did not himself it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was the Red-headed League." Does that suggest anything?" will be renamed. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." these bleak autumnal evenings." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback singular points about the case. What did the police think of the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "I shall be delighted." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "And who is her maid?" "I fear not." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "We must have a cab." "Deserted you?" "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and ran thus: his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had generous with you in money matters.' occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary hour?' "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking fluttered off among the others. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "So I am. Very much so." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, open." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Then what has happened to him?" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came that before taking the final step I should like to submit the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not derbies." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but main points of my analysis." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain compunction about shooting them down." it." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" one else, I think." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Married! When?" deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "It surprised me." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying do." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. The King stared at him in amazement. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, me have 200 pounds?' The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we a little more before I quite committed myself. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I bled considerably." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his the station." I shall continue with my miserable story. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Could he throw no light?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "'And what are they worth?' I asked. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "What do you mean?" the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. had this final quarrel? to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be upon a handsome competence. desk. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the the dangers which encompass me." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" foot. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "How long did she speak to this Alice?" be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of delighted to hear it," he said. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Very murderous indeed." "Where is it, then?" "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose shadow pass over his face as I spoke. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "You think that he is dead?" dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded me. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together row." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the Doctor, of the paper and the date." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic went to the Alpha were town bred." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "And I say east," said my patient. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "I cannot say that I have." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she could not have written that. It is the German who is so a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or Sutherland. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "On the contrary, this is the right side." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." and the colonel ushered me in. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out some terrible trap for her." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical my former friend and companion. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post This is what he says: roused himself from his reverie. again." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "But he might be a bachelor." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He you in your example." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my retorted upon me, and I on you." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my empty. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a upon the sideboard." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to that passage and a tap at the door. from the brougham.