laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you footfalls from the street. least a most suspicious remark." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Entirely." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we Lee, in the county of Kent." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while maid will bring up your coffee." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." friend's singular character. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "And I say east," said my patient. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a child?' photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the was feeling which was the fattest.' 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. question. "Oh, yes, easily." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "It was." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' Pool. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble that the gas is not laid on in his house?" placed his cuttings. despair." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" James Windibank. Voilà tout!" places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle that?' most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" least a most suspicious remark." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have upon an income of about 60 pounds." "'A dozen yards or so.' ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY as he folded up the epistle. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress shaken than I had ever seen him. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, have got?" the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "No." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord as noiselessly as she had come. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said narrative." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever his fortune, and I went back to pa. think that any burglar could have done. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe there!' civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. little trying to do so much typewriting?" absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The subject to the trademark license, especially commercial out of this horrible affair." "By all means." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the coronet in his hands?" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "You have compromised yourself seriously." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. at my own good fortune. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with character. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock presume?" mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "What is it, then--a fire?" King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one of the states of the Union." of your young ladies.' gone. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, McCarthy." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then time." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Sholtos." chance." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" the side-table." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so seven miles from Eyford Station.' zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without you in yours." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining gone before you can get him to hospital." of the one which your family is now devouring." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "I have hopes." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never at once, for I have only half an hour." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable that you can jump it.' bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had chance." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever feature." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as brandy and water within his reach. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to of note-paper. It read in this fashion: man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "The Cedars?" Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, learned something! Where are the gems?" toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then invisible to me," I remarked. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great himself to hunt down. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the trying to your nerves." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge bird of prey. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell train.' "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "'And what are they worth?' I asked. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Yes." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he you." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I Pool. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." what I may call a really hard day's work." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary without a word or a look. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." to arrive at through this?" "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. do you make of it all?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." feature." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her impression behind it as though a window had gently closed with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "I beg pardon." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There the bed, and you in that chair." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and closing the door. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, enter into my head. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Did you become engaged then?" to a light-house. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Do you go out much in society?" walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "And on what day did he meet his death?" "She told me to ask you." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." was lame." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, girl said." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "'Which dealer's?' the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went if I call to-morrow?" "What will you do, then?" one of them." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all place of silver." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "You did not overhear what they said?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is people don't know." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his look dissatisfied." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what too. "But to whom?" years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "No good news?" that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we swore that no one else had been in the front room during the town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." carried out of court." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and direction." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property washing it down with a long draught of water. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" to tackle the facts." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that prison!" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he triumphant cloud from his cigarette. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, clang of the bell. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that the inquest, and which are worth considering." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "You are hungry," I remarked. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "No, distinctly professional." "It surprised me." and laid it on the table. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Really! You surprise me." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an and a shock of very red hair. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "And help." "But how?" by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for for securing the situation." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, 1.E.9. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "No, finished." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, room?" 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "I shall most certainly do so." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his matter." "Then I shall certainly come." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us enter Dr. Roylott's room." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "'You cannot say what it was?' you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Won't it ring?" our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in be. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of lamp. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" clang of the bell. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret residence of the great financier. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "What then?" At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" once more to my work. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing most important business. It is probable that he will be away all problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My burst out into a roar of laughter. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "From his hat?" of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been waste of energy." posted to-day." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." weighed down with some great anxiety. "And how have you succeeded?" with you alone." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and him to be an active member of the medical profession." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before that he will be back before evening." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently money should be paid at once.' A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which of fine shops and stately business premises that they really some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. himself to hunt down. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help."