waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own not as remarkable as your advertisement." read over the extraordinary announcement. "And leave your case unfinished?" "Texas, I think." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon trifles." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table address. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "He is dead," cried several voices. "What will you do, then?" some mystery and the punishment of some crime." drawing your inferences." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this in one or two places in England?' "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough gone. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Then he might have called to you?" in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "The rest you will leave in our hands." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "I say that I have solved it." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. my special province." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself tightly behind him. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser interest. They are important, you understand, without being yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the undoubtedly my uncle's." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and the address that was given us in the advertisement. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Do you go out much in society?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the to tell." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as Mrs. Toller serenely. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' weapon." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "Where to?" "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive lectures into a series of tales." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman fishes. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do come either from the window or the door. My attention was telegram would bring me down to your help." "She told me to ask you." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Oh, the cause is excellent!" broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly little adventures." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry status with the IRS. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left in the hope of finding them." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "It is true that I have been generally successful." appeared upon the scene." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "I never have." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open carpenter." your most interesting statement." any." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Yes." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes is worth.' which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy him." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "VIOLET HUNTER." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left only touch the interest." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was note?" suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "No." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very without success. At last the little money which I had saved began glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "No, I think that I'll take it." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and are, I think, all that we need." "But we can't all be." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "What! You do not mean bodies?" "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been residence of the great financier. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted matter over." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain there when the Rucastles went away." "It is half-past ten now." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so Farm upon the left." instituted." "Dr. Becher's." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as the one as in the other." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that unprofitable." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "That is unusual in a young girl." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "I have come for advice." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to something of him before." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf served to weaken the effect. late." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "'Not at all. I only doubt--' union?" "I have seen the police." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "Oh, fresh and glossy." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in useful material for showing traces. The double line a little Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had arrested. You then--" penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of was feeling which was the fattest.' "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." eavesdroppers?' "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "No, distinctly professional." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "He said that you could solve anything." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Is he quiet?" and wait." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "And how did he make his money?" paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it note?" know that the truth is known." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I fashion which was peculiar to him. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "You did not overhear what they said?" sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" the little opening for the ventilator is." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the appeal." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. happened." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Precisely." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. must be when I saw the door open.' "Well." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a own family. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found it right.' Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Who was the criminal, then?" bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "You saw the ventilator, too?" Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with question," said Holmes, smiling. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "You heard nothing yourself last night?" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he tell them apart.' the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "It was a confession," I ejaculated. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. she to prove their authenticity?" had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Witness: I must still refuse. "If so, much may have happened between." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." yourselves in at night?" "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. even of instruction." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. remarked. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered way in." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the place no limit on the sum I may draw." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been I approached. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Not I." affection." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the Watson," he said cordially. young Openshaw's." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they States. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King was used.' have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "You horrify me." throat." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp Young McCarthy must be got off, however." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am feature." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see distance from the station, and there we found the young lady greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "What steps will you take?" I asked. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "You have it, sir, just as it happened." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each papers diligently of late, have you not?" form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "What are they?" left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small are, I think, all that we need." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the are, and they are waiting for us." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last affection." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." been shamefully used." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. face and glided from the room. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand for securing the situation." weapon." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Who by?" connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and was keenly on my guard against him. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Serpentine Avenue. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we sooner or later she must fall a victim. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "Very. But will he see it?" not as remarkable as your advertisement." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so The King stared at him in amazement. "We must have a cab." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat husband's writing, madam." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "In San Francisco, a year ago." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "What then?" the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined