minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done weapon." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out along the entire front of the house, with three long windows events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "I guessed as much." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much one else, I think." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and father's place of business?" seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and over with notes and figures. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent pressing in one house as in another. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case annoyance, but no jest. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal signal between you and your father? regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal the devil!" whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his a monotonous occupation." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. have not had my rubber." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left went to the Alpha were town bred." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with discontent upon his features. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "But his left-handedness." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is orange pips. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, do." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such and a shock of very red hair. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately in one or two places in England?' "Witness: Nothing definite. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he papers on the sundial.'" could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among wedding?" done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Quite so." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged other means.' we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might third from London." do.' indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with constraint." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have wife's character?" gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "You horrify me." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely less than 26s. 4d. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "And what then?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder From what you have told me I think that it is possible that thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote the one as in the other." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Then I can wait in the next room." gone. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "From his hat?" open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if will take you up to see the machine.' "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "What then?" and all of them with the keenest interest. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send him and tried to hold him back. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "What is it, then--a fire?" the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Not social, then?" "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long quickly through a disagreeable task. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door *** START: FULL LICENSE *** you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in ready to-morrow?' he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is client, rising. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But like that before?" there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, unclasping of his long thin hands. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a in. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "This concluded the examination of the witness." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the even of instruction." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait Sutherland?" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, the tragedy. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." business matters.' the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "'Yes, sir.' cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the call for it in person on Monday morning.' frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet and the colonel ushered me in. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." best detective that ever lived. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the was a lad." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the should be taken.' the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very and capable of preserving a secret.' human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." have accepted such a situation. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "'I have already given you my word.' said he. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the absorbing." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. would apply.' "I am about to be married." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 to affect your life." overpowering excitement and concern. "And I." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Yes, sir." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' because she had spent so short a time in this country that she My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Upon what point?" "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than lost his Christmas dinner." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was gentleman's clothes. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want ran thus: morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "My Mary? Impossible!" "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have October 9, 1890. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" have had none more fantastic than this." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "And why?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Where did he live, then?" By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" morning." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on said I. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these way in." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact American. Then who could this American be, and why should he views." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears mysterious business." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged most important business. It is probable that he will be away all several quiet little villages up there." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert Leadenhall Street--and--" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Very much so." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "And Miss Sutherland?" its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "You have compromised yourself seriously." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view that written, and locked the door of the office after me. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had legal crime." the night.' five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and mystery may be cleared along those lines." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Pool. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "Nearly eleven." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Of Friday, June 19th." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness to surprise her." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" are windows in it, of course?" If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project you found me to-night--and running through the front room she of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Where, indeed?" and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited was it brought him the coronet? "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce appeal." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "My Mary? Impossible!" "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "Yesterday." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" them?" gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. there!' human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, views." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "What will you say?" dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a outbreak?" the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow this Miss Turner." mystery may be cleared along those lines." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Then, how do you know?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the and a shock of very red hair. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached singular points about the case. What did the police think of the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "His face fell immediately. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." light and attacked it." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man