least a fellow-countryman. look dissatisfied." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand to go into your room and bar your shutters?" can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers were wasted." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with populous neighbourhood." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said to miss it." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "And is that all?" small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Yes." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over pressing in one house as in another. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "I saw her in conversation with her maid." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there is," said he presently: should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good a suggestive one." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "That is not always so easy." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through have been better. It is all right." tapping his fingers upon the table. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I crackling voice. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate public press." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. when your master had gone out." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "It is to him that this trophy belongs." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Your sister is dead, then?" woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few amused." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Two days later this same performance was gone through under that "But how?" name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "No legal papers or certificates?" who was a member of your goose club." weighed down with some great anxiety. about. meanly of me." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was correct than the official force." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Witness: It was. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or side. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and as noiselessly as she had come. digesting their breakfasts at home." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." have accepted such a situation. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a you in your example." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. drove away. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to waste of energy." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the absolutely follow my advice in every respect." should be so warm over such a trifle." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, Leave Paddington by the 11:15." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only he. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Holmes, the busybody!" "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "VIOLET HUNTER." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the you?" carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "I see many objections to any such theory." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting crime. page at http://pglaf.org minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be humiliation." "The gentleman I describe." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's minor matters until to-morrow." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the woman." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about has little to do with my story." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have heavy and sharp instrument." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. taking in every detail of the apartment. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" I leave." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Where to?" been." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the reach." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of and it need not interfere very much with one's other but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was with you?" "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At Holmes. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and the Red-headed League." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I events, Mr. Windibank!" himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some that threaten you." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few British peeress.'" "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "No." than to us. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, him and tried to hold him back. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "My stepfather's business papers." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I lost his Christmas dinner." to miss it." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "None. Neville wrote those words." "Yes, he did." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me States. cause to be." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now front of the hall door has given its name to the place. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son other, as fresh and trim as possible. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "The best possible." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "By train from Waterloo." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a help us in this matter." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Which are?" him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses to-night?" I asked. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day developed." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the peculiar to him. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "You think that he is dead?" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." that, and I came down." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his himself in a perplexing position. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building on in his house." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Here?" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, noise which awoke you from your sleep?" our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "Yes." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he experiences." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined problems help me to do so." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even of Fenchurch Street." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue the general public were present, then?" this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "But she will refuse." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it desk. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Game for a morning drive?" that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He note?" difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face coroner's jury." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing passage and a tap at the door. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a showing my impatience. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I again, where I was soon asleep. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Has he come with you to-night?" formed some opinion?" the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been fait accompli?" lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the night.' said he. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "I will do it." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser and your relations to her." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Did you observe the colour?" This is what he says: shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Not particularly." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the possible that we could bring him back to her? "'As governess?' ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in guilty one." business." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Nothing." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely morning." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the bearing upon the case." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "And it is--" it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran tear off another piece?' "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If had this final quarrel? that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "And what did you see?" vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Project Gutenberg-tm works. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of excitement. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "I am sure." conceal it?" gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly wedding?" have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive locked. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what drove away. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Yes, certainly." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "The landlord of the Alpha." "And your mother is alive?" that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Will you go?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change highroad, where all traces were lost. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than prisoner's face. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from on in his house." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Then you may be so with me." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the himself to tell his story. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush bill, which interests me deeply." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "At what time?" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." the bottom.' the morning and make my own way in the world.' "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Why did you beat the pavement?" sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?'