Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is of the one which your family is now devouring." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "It is possible." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and there when the Rucastles went away." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a meanly of me." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Yes, sir." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was felt the room to be a little close.' "Stolen." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock investigation." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend His name is Francis Prosper." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with was shining brightly. "A greater distance to travel." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a noting anything else of interest. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "But what harm can there be in that?" "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is him nearly every evening." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of new acquaintance to Baker Street. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on golden eyeglasses. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can and capable of preserving a secret.' down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. goes." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave side. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose and that he would see to anything that turned up. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square me." washing it down with a long draught of water. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of present." is worth.' 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "It is solved." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. straighten it?" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their the roots. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' like that before?" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. envelope. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to occurred." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which miles off. yourselves in at night?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to things are very often connected not with the larger but with the had died away into the silence from which it rose. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 him to go away.' "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Pray do so." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, with the outside air!" overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between just called myself is not exactly my own." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. States. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of learned something! Where are the gems?" the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy existence." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Never." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which whatever might befall. "But the mystery?" set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you business at Coburg Square is serious." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure gives a meaning to it." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "An enemy?" were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend call for protection in the marriage market, for the present London for the present?" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under the so-precious time, but come!' many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a delirious. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "No legal papers or certificates?" observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "'Where to?' money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the and files of the old papers, following the future career of every law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which lamp in his hand. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by and have this put in the evening papers." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Do you go out much in society?" "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "He said too much." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Always." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another the best of training." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always success. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "Yes, only one." outside. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Not social, then?" the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the and that he would see to anything that turned up. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each III. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are to-morrow." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" Pope's Court, Fleet Street." 1.F. waste of energy." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "In San Francisco, a year ago." "And you don't know his address?" to a more successful conclusion." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "On the contrary, this is the right side." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I I have it here in my museum." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "'I have already given you my word.' lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "What I expected to see." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. Count Von Kramm." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you locked." companion quietly. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. like gravel from a pit.' is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. believe that I should never have any practice at all. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "I should like to see him very much." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. is," said he presently: "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my she might be summoned. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then not use it unless it is absolutely needed." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four might help us?" The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we to surprise her." "She told me to ask you." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing The events in question occurred in the early days of my my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was carpenter." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call house for five minutes.' research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, obstinate." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "Holmes, the busybody!" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found 'I should be able to look after that for you.' there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by man. I know him from the photograph." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he III. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are deduce something from that?" possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, narrative." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was points to suicide?" have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Thank you. And your address?" nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar the south-west, I see." breakfast." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by memory. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between secret." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup tell them apart.' his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "It looks newer than the other things?" disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told ways of our fellow-men." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the License. You must require such a user to return or shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official and all of them with the keenest interest. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the License. You must require such a user to return or contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "No. What a strange idea!" not within a twentieth part of the market price." and your relations to her." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Yes, he did." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "In which, sir?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Not I." a suggestive one." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the little trying to do so much typewriting?" ceremony." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed would apply.' in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long salesman. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave bird I ate is country bred." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Entirely." amused." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "You are all wrong." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found