shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it place of silver." "When did it break out?" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Nothing?" A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little mysterious business." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "What are they?" "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Edgeware Road. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "No, I think that I'll take it." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I hurried by. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the success. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a how narrow had been my escape. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up fait accompli?" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Proceed, then." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was views." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "I assure you that I am in your hands." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "But she will refuse." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my client, rising. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin you do it in twenty minutes!' however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever is four-and-twenty." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was little trying to do so much typewriting?" Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If girl said." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "No sign of it?" Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "I will not look." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very green of the new foliage. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, into the room. "How can you tell that?" of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" at my own good fortune. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently dates and names. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him and the church but not where the lady lived." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to call for protection in the marriage market, for the present success. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "I would pay ten." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came society." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which kindly on the shoulder. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "You have a clue?" way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads Does that suggest anything?" - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, into her hand at the door and which lured her within their flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do in one or two places in England?' good-night and bustled off upon her way. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house them, and came down just as you departed. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the indeed which he could not unravel. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "I don't believe it." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that neither fascinating nor artistic." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the about. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "But what is it you wish?" he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who went to the Alpha were town bred." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I a monotonous occupation." went to the Alpha were town bred." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "Yes, I have one waiting." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was Serpentine Avenue. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor is worth.' "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Pray be precise as to details," said he. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Is he quiet?" and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "One of the highest in England." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the as noiselessly as she had come. this man was intellectual?" clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off letters?" "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "It may not come to that," said Holmes. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his weary and pale-looking. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." notes," he said. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a own family. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "'Tell me all about it,' said I. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "I cannot tell." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp miles off. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "Absolutely none." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "I have solved it." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the empty. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a be there in time for your coming." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back way in." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "The gentleman I describe." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Was the window open?" "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and young Openshaw's." have not had my rubber." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "An enemy?" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is room. affair. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary absorbing." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Street. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Yes, that is the Crown." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." dear old homesteads?" Serpentine Avenue. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until your billet.' London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "The best possible." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a in the dead of the night?' that before taking the final step I should like to submit the unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "'How far from the body?' "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "So I have heard." "It must be recovered." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "'Stolen!' he cried. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble row." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "My Mary? Impossible!" you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I three of the beryls in it, was missing. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and mystery may be cleared along those lines." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular use an arc-and-compass breastpin." chemical work which was so dear to him. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Yes, only one." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the morning." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week dear old homesteads?" "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "It's nothing of the kind." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir bears upon the case?" little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "On Monday." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Was the window open?" its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may could not have written that. It is the German who is so much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "To the police?" and I shall be with you presently." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "You think that he is dead?" corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then feature." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "What can you not understand?" with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Nothing?" they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles enough to aid us in our search." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. shaken than I had ever seen him. go from here to the Strand." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "What can it mean?" I gasped. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' said he. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "You have a clue?" "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "We were both in the photograph." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and and capable of preserving a secret.' only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "I cannot think." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "And I to find an enemy." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "What do you mean?" little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp brain must have something in it." me. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said The note was undated, and without either signature or address. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, that he will be back before evening." little adventures." past. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "And what then?" like gravel from a pit.' the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "I am to be neutral?" memory. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were flock.' happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander invisible to me," I remarked. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no the running down." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He strode off upon his way. possible that we could bring him back to her? should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to for and were ordered to this address. fasten all the windows?" you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning do." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "He disappeared so suddenly." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "I cannot tell." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story upon a handsome competence. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Why serious?" "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant