would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project unclasping of his long thin hands. "In the cells." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or and glanced through. come either from the window or the door. My attention was on in his house." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause handed it to him. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like a room. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I drawing your inferences." "But you can know nothing of this?" rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he upon an income of about 60 pounds." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. guilty one." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, carried out of court." business?" insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one went to the Alpha were town bred." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "It came here." said he. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "But she will refuse." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we trifles." Leadenhall Street--and--" "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried in the hope of finding them." answer." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy me." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." the house with me." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was will take you up to see the machine.' knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew in the hope of finding them." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we fattened it expressly for you.' is," said he presently: as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another and I shall be with you presently." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "No?" the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his Farm upon the left." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "It may not come to that," said Holmes. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" served to weaken the effect. think you a quite exceptional woman." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "No, distinctly professional." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." envelope. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six in his hands." companion. village inn over there?" door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "I don't say that. Perhaps." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "To the police?" this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing opened the door, and slipped through. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the been shamefully used." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Of what day?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he to some other building. had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I acted in my house last night?" "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "'Yes, sir.' "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either the station." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the when you have done it." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the a good hundred miles off by now." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "You heard nothing yourself last night?" Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "How often?" at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what sneer upon his pale face. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "What is it, then--a fire?" At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "And your mother is alive?" asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the introspective fashion. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very suspect him." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "The vanishing of the lady." of it with the greatest attention. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly I was concerned in it." "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my tell him that I know him to be innocent." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an said he. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Well, it is a possible supposition." a very grave face. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in there was no need for father to know." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, During two years I have had three consultations and one small air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Do you go out much in society?" the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you disappearance of these gems?" said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the case before our client came into the room." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. ourselves in the office." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a one's self under obligations.' visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not you." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "He said too much." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Did you observe the colour?" "At half-wages, in fact." obstinate." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works details should find their way into the papers. Inspector naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there this unhappy family?" bearing upon the case." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the answer." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay would then never go into court at all." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. hardly wander." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "What is it?" there was no need for father to know." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across hereditary King of Bohemia." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "And did you observe any change in her then?" view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on Where does the thing come from?' "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of him, that man would not have given me such complete information however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the fatally injured? submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in place no limit on the sum I may draw." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Only as much as we can deduce." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest to miss it." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "It is to him that this trophy belongs." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could hands. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Yes." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "'No, I know no one in these parts.' it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." night.' said he. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, feature." mysterious end." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I appeal." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It I nodded again. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the pity, because in other respects you would really have done very disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down felt the room to be a little close.' "We must sit without light. He would see it through the Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "It is very kind of you." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "It is very kind of you." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Why serious?" work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Which surely he restored to their owner?" then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and affection." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else him." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "I am to be neutral?" friend's singular character. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Perhaps I have." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, approach us with offers to donate. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Not him." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other more terrible than the truth. and capable of preserving a secret.' served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is matters immensely." "Entirely." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. You want to know what became of those geese?" chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in coat-tails." 'please.'" to have been novel and of interest." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had lectures into a series of tales." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Yes." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white without success. At last the little money which I had saved began have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "To the police?" think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our already been minutely examined." "'Oh, no.' "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own said I. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed all?" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "And I." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and colonel looking down at me. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Certainly." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' was the fact that his father should, according to his account, force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging introspective fashion. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend the dangers which encompass me." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "I am in hopes that she does." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less like gravel from a pit.' considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "You have but to name it." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a burst out into a roar of laughter. "And how in the world did you find them?" formed some opinion?" than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "My dear Holmes!" "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which acquaintance?" the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he