comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated Holmes' face clouded over. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "It is very clear." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, standing smiling on the door-step. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the to change my dress. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may we went to search for him, face downward in a little say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "But we can't all be." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for tapping his fingers upon the table. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "My private note-paper." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was nonsense.' "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "'A dozen yards or so.' agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "No legal papers or certificates?" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" out of this horrible affair." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by despaired of." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. in a very precise fashion." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, is now desirous of getting those letters back." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered she might be summoned. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "You horrify me!" coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Yes." "Not in a good cause." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "And sit in the dark?" half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would Count Von Kramm." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at was already answered. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of thirty. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, seven miles from Eyford Station.' Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little was a perfect sample of the class. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "I warn you that they are very incomplete." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had figure." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" most important business. It is probable that he will be away all until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned would then never go into court at all." way: bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Will you go?" in a friendly supper." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a bell. Holmes whistled. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before the one as in the other." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Not him." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. letters?" distance from the station, and there we found the young lady he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer electronic works know what is wrong with it.' "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Only as much as we can deduce." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled *** START: FULL LICENSE *** wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing direction." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a works. See paragraph 1.E below. ventilator." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was companion. "No. His orders were to stay in the house." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son third from London." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging strength of mind to control. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his forbidden door. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure like gravel from a pit.' "And now?" I asked. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up mysterious business." States. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from some city in a dream. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot unprofitable." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly me upon any point which I do not make clear." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always disturbance in my wife." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows photograph?" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to furiously. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which rooms." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "What, then?" once more for Briony Lodge. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was business at Coburg Square is serious." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which The note was undated, and without either signature or address. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "'I have heard so.' "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been so.' "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his ceremony." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "One of his hands." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "His face fell immediately. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so go--none." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up bearing upon the case." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was had this final quarrel? This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right nothing with him." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "No, I am descending." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this DAMAGE. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a this poor creature." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "My own seal." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. jewels which you have stolen?' and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon these bleak autumnal evenings." business came to an end." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "On the contrary, this is the right side." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but shag which I had seen upon the previous night. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "I cannot say that I have." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who instincts rose up against that laugh. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Yes, it would be as well." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss ceremony." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to to have been novel and of interest." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and affection." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the Count Von Kramm." legal crime." acted in my house last night?" authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that feature." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "Pray tell us what has happened to you." brain must have something in it." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the better in every way that they should make their position a little with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. all-comprehensive glances. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave *** START: FULL LICENSE *** The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, to arrive at through this?" manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "It is possible." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "The doctor?" towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that were new raised from a basin. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." his cane at the bell-pull. you want, then?' in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Certainly." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "In which, sir?" one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey British peeress.'" that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "What!" he roared. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," I nodded again. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all I was concerned in it." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "I fear not." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "But I am all in the dark." "Could he throw no light?" photograph?" unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Only as much as we can deduce." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it ill-usage at the hands of fortune. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without cup of tea. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of or in danger--" upon the white wrist. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both that I may have something better before very many minutes are journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would there when the Rucastles went away." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three new acquaintance to Baker Street. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, The summons was a brief and urgent one. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Yes." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she that before taking the final step I should like to submit the waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "He said that you could solve anything." the date of his supposed suicide." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "I do." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "To ruin me." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which clang of the bell. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." time." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous fled together." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, all that?" King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the speckled band?" neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind and effective." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" conclusions. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has have been better. It is all right." respectable self." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty his fortune, and I went back to pa. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive