"It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "By no means." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the man. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. again." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left page at http://pglaf.org "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "That sounds a little paradoxical." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "To ruin me." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the face and glided from the room. have I gained?" comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a place of silver." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste at once, for I have only half an hour." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the opportunities to fix the problem. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw locked. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would to-morrow." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "What have you to say now?" chance." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations me have 200 pounds?' dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter possible that we could bring him back to her? "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may to-night's adventure." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. both be extremely obliged.' twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Dark enough and sinister enough." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in absolutely follow my advice in every respect." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the definite end. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who your only hope of safety." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "It is very kind of you." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the locked. upon a handsome competence. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "I cannot tell." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less rooms." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he bonnet, and went out." Munro.' "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "At the wedding breakfast." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell despair." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "How did you deduce the select?" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "To the police?" upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" your most interesting statement." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT outside. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her correct than the official force." congenial hunt. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet obstinate." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "ARAT," I read. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "'Certainly not. But why?' "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of about here speaks of his kindness to him." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "The best possible." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Well, it is a possible supposition." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Pray continue your narrative." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" fled together." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting the devil!" that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with see me here to avoid scandal." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, your own bird, so if you wish--" ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might tension within him. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy best detective that ever lived. "And your mother is alive?" glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand some water from a caraffe. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business fait accompli?" of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, Leadenhall Street--and--" time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he nothing with him." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "'Very good.' legal crime." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. furiously. flock.' more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Do you receive much company?" he asked. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he to-night's adventure." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small searched, without anything being found which could incriminate thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "Only as much as we can deduce." breakfast." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his crime." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "'About the same.' "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of see a sister of mine apply for." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day unkempt, staring out at me. "'I have already given you my word.' flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery then?" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion to take care of herself." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Not him." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. at my remark. crackling voice. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear troubles have been weighing upon his mind. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, I was concerned in it." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Witness: I must still refuse. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, she to prove their authenticity?" reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." interested in these little problems, and since you are good "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "And how?" Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" away to you." promised to bring home. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you fat-encircled eyes. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after dead, shall be safe with us." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to Watson," he said cordially. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a woman who has had her own way to make in the world. possible that we could bring him back to her? a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "I know where it is." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a allusion to a rat. "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of his knees, staring into the fire. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." lost his Christmas dinner." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said train.' was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I this remarkable episode. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I closing the door. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an union?" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "'Yes, it was gone.' papers." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "Seven!" I answered. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "I fear not." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Yes." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my when your master had gone out." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his intrusion of other matters." I nodded again. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, whatever might befall. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" tell me that you intended to go into harness." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, you came in." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg Clair, of Lee." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "But how will you look?" thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual green of the new foliage. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are touch that coronet?' "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, lost nothing by them." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve recover the gem." "I cannot imagine." copied or distributed: from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she humiliation." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO a monotonous occupation." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided see a sister of mine apply for." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill bill, which interests me deeply." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "But it has twice been burgled." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "My dear Holmes!" you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry your Highness to the police-station?" harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "How are you getting on?" "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to go from here to the Strand." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but matter." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went writers could invent nothing more crude." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and least a most suspicious remark." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Did he not advertise?" "You don't mind breaking the law?" been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that with her." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations felt?" "'Yes, sir.' every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." horse could go." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "But you can know nothing of this?" glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in