town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning frequently gained my first real insight into the character of do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them crime. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold garden below. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider on in his house." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, new acquaintance to Baker Street. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" unkempt, staring out at me. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "But it has twice been burgled." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "You forget that I know nothing about it." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "How do you know, then?" large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, Holmes' room. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "We must have a cab." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. approach us with offers to donate. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. unclasping of his long thin hands. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate thin, with a long, sharp nose?" face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "I beg pardon." asked. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "And how have you succeeded?" 'please.'" the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was footfalls from the street. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to the loss of it. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge matter." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." next day. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet his knees, staring into the fire. is four-and-twenty." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "But the mystery?" disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine have established a very serious case against the son of the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's my secret was safe in his possession. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "Stoke Moran?" said he. him nearly every evening." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "No?" to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than and your relations to her." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of problems help me to do so." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat outbreak?" months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You south, for the country is more deserted there." to talk it over. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the Eyford." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out at my remark. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "He is still with you, I presume?" "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Yes, sir." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He kindly on the shoulder. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' since then to throw any light upon what became of him." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "And how did he make his money?" "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may instincts rose up against that laugh. placed his cuttings. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "She walked into the breakfast-room." "I fear not." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the your room." note?" impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he four million human beings all jostling each other within the "I beg pardon." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn Cross for the Continent." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "So it appears." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very the matter?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, the nursery. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "May I see it?" I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for you?' the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "I would give my fortune to have them back." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of and laid it on the table. the loss of it. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "And now?" He raised his hand. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. occurred." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss enter into my head. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of Leadenhall Street--and--" "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which in darkness. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for prove to be little relation between the different incidents of I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism to Leatherhead. "'What, the red-headed man?' thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. all-comprehensive glances. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "What, then, did Peterson do?" have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to call the police, let the police find what they can.' this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for at home. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Not social, then?" of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for Lee, in the county of Kent." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of front of me. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! distance from the station, and there we found the young lady which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no fish-monger and a tide-waiter." the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the Have you good authority for what you say?" "No legal papers or certificates?" "It is solved." "But you have hopes?" the very morning of the wedding." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "No." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "'Yes, it was gone.' "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "'Stolen!' he cried. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "Yes." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and foot. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, never came back." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew ready to-morrow?' tear off another piece?' "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you the coronet at all injured?" spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his this Miss Turner." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "Did your wife hear all this?" was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "And you can do nothing until then?" address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "What! You do not mean bodies?" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is once more. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "A call for help, you thought?" looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. whereabouts. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who points to suicide?" becomes even more simple." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." bedroom door." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in like that before?" which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "The knees of his trousers." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "'And what are they worth?' I asked. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, over part of the map. "What do you read?" from you?" undoubtedly my uncle's." it means?" papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "'I am sure if I had known--' of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' tapping his fingers upon the table. quite distinctive." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white carriage. It was a chestnut." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "'Ample.' business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their begin with, and I had not got mine yet." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and skylight. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found your bag." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. have had none more fantastic than this." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. shaken than I had ever seen him. with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My fashion which was peculiar to him. "I should wish to." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "My stepfather's business papers." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to you understand?" "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "And from a noble client?" younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" of the one which your family is now devouring." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell important." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "My own seal." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He felt the room to be a little close.' I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "He slept on the premises." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could that you saw all that I did." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond in the hope of finding them." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, fuss that is made over them." of Fenchurch Street." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how Pope's Court, Fleet Street." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "From his hat?" twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There lamp in his hand. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "To an end?" strength." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second means taking possession of that which another person has a prior her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last if she died from some sudden fright." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at