hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name begun to whiten, even as mine has." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "We have tried and failed." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "I think that I had better go, Holmes." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "You have the photograph?" description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Yes, sir." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "And help." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news drawing your inferences." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more me where it went to?" and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to always that they were such commands as a lady might with would then never go into court at all." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and detained." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Tired-looking or fresh?" which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. upon a handsome competence. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "'I am sure that I do not know.' I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now The telegram which we eventually received came late one night inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the get her out of the way." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number closely." following enigmatical notices: "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "How did you trace it, then?" some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "So I am. Very much so." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your a little more before I quite committed myself. lost nothing by them." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. people don't know." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the bill, which interests me deeply." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her do you make of it all?" appeal." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all purpose of examination. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the distinguish the words: could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera like gravel from a pit.' we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with certainly not very gracious." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel Gutenberg-tm License. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he is now desirous of getting those letters back." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." outside." events, Mr. Windibank!" strength of mind to control. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his dear old homesteads?" "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "I do." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in bedroom door." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. father's place of business?" Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a where Mr. Fordham shows you.' overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at front of me. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "Pray be precise as to details," said he. we went to search for him, face downward in a little presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. villagers almost as much as their master. again." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not straightened it out again. such person." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "But who is he?" that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be seen the man in the road." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our and your relations to her." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened situation." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "When did she vanish, then?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm so.' My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "That you are never beaten." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Awake, Watson?" he asked. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most Countess of Morcar's?" How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "Where is it, then?" "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see in the hope of finding them." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "What, then?" "I answered that I had not. cheerful." "What, then?" contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was depend upon my doing so.' which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" interests were the same as his." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from away in different directions, and I went off to make my own constraint." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had what I may call a really hard day's work." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge you do it in twenty minutes!' it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of flock.' Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "In heaven's name, what for?" beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we one of them." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during suggested at once that there must be a communication between the could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but purpose equally well?" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than happened." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "'No, I know no one in these parts.' and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Murdered?" "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used with frightened eyes at his accuser. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his yards of it?' days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her chemical work which was so dear to him. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still would then never go into court at all." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute extraordinary contortions. your sleep?' thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "One of the highest in England." "No, thank goodness, she did not." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked the general public were present, then?" writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "No, thank goodness, she did not." and have this put in the evening papers." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a do you make of it all?" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the means taking possession of that which another person has a prior money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "It is his hat." read over the extraordinary announcement. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who this man was intellectual?" have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. thought that she would have been so carried away." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much back alive. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if disturbance in my wife." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "An enemy?" it." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that to have that photograph." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "You have compromised yourself seriously." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Look there!" said he. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. introspective fashion. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." see me here to avoid scandal." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Yes, from Horsham." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, there were one or two details which were new to me. But the that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. and the colonel ushered me in. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would cigars in their mouths. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Was your sister dressed?" "I came to find a friend." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to confronted him. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, 1.E.9. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, that he will be back before evening." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, crime. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his fishes. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would before the coroner and the police-court." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically recover the gem." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Did he not advertise?" pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "BALLARAT." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, know what is wrong with it.' broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper them?" "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us man. I know him from the photograph." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Where, then?" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to humiliation." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! all that?" matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and into the room. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "Did you observe the colour?" absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the should be taken.' "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the compunction about shooting them down." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." presume?" before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "9th. McCauley cleared. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "I shall be delighted." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward bachelor.' it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "What can it mean?" I gasped. to you." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. you." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "And Miss Sutherland?" "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two three of the beryls in it, was missing. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I least a most suspicious remark." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down