unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, note?" once more to my work. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the invisible to me," I remarked. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was even so self-evident a thing as that." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "The Coroner: What do you mean? course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "But who is he?" is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Was she in good spirits?" of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. looking up at the numbers of the houses." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, see me here to avoid scandal." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "It came here." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous reach." good-night and bustled off upon her way. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under within hail.' it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "No more words. Get out!" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "What I expected to see." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." figure." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, invisible to me," I remarked. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior not fit the lock." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent it with his own hands." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "Only as much as we can deduce." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are with some details as to your case." weighed down with some great anxiety. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to from the brougham. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known feature." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly front of the hall door has given its name to the place. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the the south-west, I see." McCarthy's innocence. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of Edgeware Road. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all weigh very heavily upon my conscience." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "I know where it is." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he companion quietly. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too cheerful." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "It is his hat." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "You will not go there first?" Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an papers must be those that are destroyed.' light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some which it had come upon my father." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "You forget that I know nothing about it." may have an influence upon European history." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the few hundred pounds.' "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit himself to hunt down. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. wedding?" black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been away into the river." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" tapping his fingers upon the table. "From his hat?" "Why? What do you mean?" think you a quite exceptional woman." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course delirious. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "I should like to see him very much." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had bore every mark of being an average commonplace British and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may suddenly upon us." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, plantation.' me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He stalked out of the room. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a against a man in the prime of life?" "What!" he roared. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "I was afraid that you were engaged." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of place no limit on the sum I may draw." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom tell them apart.' determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a with some details as to your case." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to quickly through a disagreeable task. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful written. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "You heard nothing yourself last night?" possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his one else, I think." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Bought." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the wedding?" chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I roused himself from his reverie. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Then you may be so with me." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is away into the river." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "My dear Holmes!" find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my burst out into a roar of laughter. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they guilty parties." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "No." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "'Is 4 pounds a week.' Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Tired-looking or fresh?" who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade she slowly sank and died without having recovered her photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom invisible to me," I remarked. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the generous with you in money matters.' Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "In the cells." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is your billet.' shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "Nothing." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Yes." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' answered with a sidelong glance. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "But his left-handedness." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" fishes. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See never will be, entirely cleared up. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to him, that man would not have given me such complete information "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. round with crates and massive boxes. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for upon the shelf for the interim." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a forbidden door. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "What have you done?" asked Holmes. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The the stable lane now." is four-and-twenty." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "What have you to say now?" there when the Rucastles went away." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Yes." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose formed some opinion?" say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "What, then?" will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were money should be paid at once.' from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. lectures into a series of tales." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "And you don't know his address?" have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, affection." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "By train from Waterloo." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. were unconscious?" which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." one which it was hard to resist. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "'And what salary do you ask?' "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are The King stared at him in amazement. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, of note-paper. It read in this fashion: there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, carried out of court." how narrow had been my escape. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Awake, Watson?" he asked. at home. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the all-comprehensive glances. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "I fear not." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and away to you." "What do you mean?" without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I his fortune, and I went back to pa. "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Whose house is it?" "I cannot tell." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have that there was nothing in it, after all." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry guilty parties." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "I shall be delighted." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I mystery." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "'In my own bureau.' assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "Oh, yes, easily." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Then I shall certainly come." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, during which he might have communicated with his friend the heavily into it. politicians who had been sent down from the North. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments when your master had gone out." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some not interfere, come what may. You understand?" crime." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Bought." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door then?" the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "And why?" "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "I answered that I had not. Edgeware Road. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Sholtos." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "I am about to be married." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Nothing." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he papers on the sundial.'" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "No, distinctly professional."