helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Not social, then?" you, my dear young lady?' months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Your presence might be invaluable." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "Which are?" you for a few hours?" down. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." nights." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "I am still in the dark." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Cross for the Continent." whereabouts. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" read over the extraordinary announcement. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Was there a secret marriage?" question. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to works. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work province." read over the extraordinary announcement. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, a room. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went such person." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Yes." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his bill, which interests me deeply." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "'As governess?' "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his felt the room to be a little close.' does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm Heh?' idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm weighed down with some great anxiety. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a Street. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were will be renamed. highroad, where all traces were lost. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "I have seen the police." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the occurred." bell. Holmes whistled. get her out of the way." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, bird of prey. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that to a more successful conclusion." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to wedding?" security.' in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "No bad?" the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "I have my revolver," said I. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as of the way of danger. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now Holmes." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "It is his hat." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that for and were ordered to this address. any more." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Of what day?" determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and that you can jump it.' months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, outbreak?" "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side nothing of it?" my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "So I am. Very much so." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was had this final quarrel? of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of Count Von Kramm." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Because he was handy and would come cheap." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There disappearance of the bride.'" force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing astonishment. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. tear off another piece?' lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side closely." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Here?" the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say tear off another piece?' "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug matter." him." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Your presence might be invaluable." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. a good hundred miles off by now." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. few hundred pounds.' "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "We must sit without light. He would see it through the They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me shadow pass over his face as I spoke. you came in." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted pictures, libraries, or plate. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Married! When?" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES asked. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major cost them two and thirty pounds." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "You saw the ventilator, too?" down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears my room." there in twenty minutes." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more call it cruel." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the be. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my think you a quite exceptional woman." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the the one as in the other." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "Nothing?" together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has London for the present?" jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. will not take me long to tell. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "'I am sure that I do not know.' hereditary King of Bohemia." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The subject to the trademark license, especially commercial so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." laugh and put his lips to my ear. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the child?' my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "'And the work?' he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in envelope. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "I should like to see him very much." it. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, instincts rose up against that laugh. one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the back into the street. been able to understand it, in a very few words. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing I think that I could be of assistance to you." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "They are typewritten," I remarked. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything throat." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would the dangers which encompass me." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and that?' red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's a room. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. License. You must require such a user to return or blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "I cannot imagine." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying the coroner come to?" families. Now for the facts. "One of his hands." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a pressing in one house as in another. "On the contrary, this is the right side." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which goes." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a key turn in the lock." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "It is solved." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could the child." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' Street. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "I was sure that I might rely on you." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large and glanced through. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with and your relations to her." "I will not look." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was down in his armchair and closing his eyes. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that noble correspondent could be. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Murdered?" slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very whole matter to your consideration." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing our word." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "'Yes, it was gone.' the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it too. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should hands. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the know that the truth is known." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the You want to know what became of those geese?" called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was have accepted such a situation. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the in this way: suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, to go into your room and bar your shutters?" latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down stood on the top of it. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a begin with, and I had not got mine yet." tail." "Then how many are there?" of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open closing the door. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Did you become engaged then?" English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed your troubles." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear cost them two and thirty pounds." it." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "You know me, then?" assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "You have the photograph?" "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the