can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I out of this horrible affair." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he of note-paper. It read in this fashion: Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; recover the gem." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window purpose equally well?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should Holmes." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin legal crime." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "And Miss Sutherland?" "Certainly." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Then you may entirely rely on me." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. arrested. You then--" property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" followed. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "No, I am descending." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "Nothing?" "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one ready to-morrow?' Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman so far?" "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." brain must have something in it." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Come in!" said Holmes. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it answered with a sidelong glance. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Yesterday." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in plantation.' "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "It's nothing of the kind." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. are windows in it, of course?" Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "'Never.' upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "I will get her to show me." third from London." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had good-night and bustled off upon her way. your equipment. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, License. You must require such a user to return or time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. case before our client came into the room." quite distinctive." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend introspective fashion. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had would then never go into court at all." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be excitement. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Bought." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope ago." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Won't it ring?" twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." nothing of it?" pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "But what harm can there be in that?" What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp of the vacancies.' really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Who by?" comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this Edgeware Road. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I be there in time for your coming." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." name is different." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my certainly do as you advise." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house look dissatisfied." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in Countess of Morcar's?" the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "She will not sell." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the heavily into it. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "Eh? What was that?" have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was the coronet in his hand?" He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and was a lad." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that and effective." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "He is still with you, I presume?" moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "It is a murder, then?" following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which this Miss Turner." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley formed some opinion?" higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in acquaintance?" "The murder was done with it." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less exactly what you advise." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have details." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "But your client--" Surrey." that there was nothing in it, after all." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. was already answered. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back From what you have told me I think that it is possible that poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the that threaten you." always that they were such commands as a lady might with but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in emerged. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by so.' rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough it with his own hands." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "No." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I death." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists Pool. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "You think so, too?" absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and tied." window when the police appeared." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's was used.' I approached. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." generous with you in money matters.' shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "And now?" He raised his hand. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "I see no marks." "Perhaps we may make them less so." "And your father? Did you tell him?" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Eh? What was that?" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away soul! here is her carriage at the door." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. sofa. This way, please!" shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no his eyes and forehead. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door drove away. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed these bleak autumnal evenings." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property meanly of me." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my tassel actually lying upon the pillow. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there records." question," said Holmes, smiling. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every the Friday. Was it to be in church?" Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be time." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any into the room. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been tassel actually lying upon the pillow. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "In what way?" asked Holmes. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water direction." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" leave you to your papers for a little." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his II. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to depend upon my doing so.' vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a never came back." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "That is easily got." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been one else, I think." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an woman who has had her own way to make in the world. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "Witness: I must still refuse. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come directors, with the result that you have seen." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as http://www.gutenberg.net on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it been with you?" confronted him. present." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "It is very clear." "What!" he roared. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "In what way?" asked Holmes. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "'I have already given you my word.' "But of what society?" "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was flock.' more solid." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little society." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "Frequently." most interesting one." what do you think they found in the pockets?" resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the have got?" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence you." again on its way. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we she to prove their authenticity?" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "But what harm can there be in that?" meanly of me." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "Precisely so. But how--" have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to least a fellow-countryman. open." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all this Miss Turner." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated directors have had misgivings upon the subject." papers diligently of late, have you not?" feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "You have the photograph?" fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any Count Von Kramm." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "He is dead," cried several voices. side. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "You will not go there first?" and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "'Is purely nominal.' "Where to?" hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a constraint." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "What have you done?" asked Holmes. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, your own bird, so if you wish--" him." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "10th. John Swain cleared. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and bachelor.' varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "I have solved it." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "To ruin me." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another take the flies, but not before." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. to surprise her." your sleep?' anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "What steps will you take?" I asked. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his is worth.' A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Pooh, pooh! Forgery."