but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already own family. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was clang of the bell. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A awkward doing business with an alias." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and question. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "Imitated." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "On your arm?" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his was shining brightly. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I and prosperity to your house. Good-night." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife footfalls from the street. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a maiden herself was most instructive." "But we can't all be." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey wall." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "The Coroner: What do you mean? because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every chair. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "He said too much." "Yes, at the mines." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "I would give my fortune to have them back." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, is entirely a question of barometric pressure." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a other means.' "But I have heard all that you have heard." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police thought that she would have been so carried away." "It missed him, then?" the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Precisely." the date of his supposed suicide." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He may have an influence upon European history." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, voice, changing her seat as requested. may have an influence upon European history." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, and laid it on the table. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less three fields round his house, and there he would take his 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where that you wished to speak to me?' The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "'In my own bureau.' The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at prisoner's face. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which and shall probably return to London by the evening train." the Assizes." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in children over to America with him, so that I found myself without firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of him." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "When did it break out?" daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong tell him that I know him to be innocent." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client instituted." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." present." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "One of his hands." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and case-book, which he consulted. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew photograph?" "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave outsides of the windows. recover the gem." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me your equipment. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand your most interesting statement." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "I will try. What is it?" if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "But you were on a friendly footing?" "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off My friend smiled. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable works. See paragraph 1.E below. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action round with crates and massive boxes. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could where we are going." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then chill to my heart. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham case-book, which he consulted. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of answer." was feeling which was the fattest.' there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "She told me to ask you." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my other lovers by making love himself." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes which it had come upon my father." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it most interesting one." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my round with crates and massive boxes. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To and effective." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her suspect him." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide husband's writing, madam." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "And how did you find out?" heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out experiences." you." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be husband's writing, madam." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms away to you." note?" "Were they all fastened this morning?" "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, himself. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "I assure you that I am in your hands." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Very much so." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations a little more before I quite committed myself. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have it with his own hands." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must was used.' would apply.' fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, writing, and yet I know it well." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" had a long day." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the compunction about shooting them down." goes." night.' said he. empty. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. a room. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. was lame." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to formed some opinion?" make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found possible that we could bring him back to her? it." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the was not a bird to be seen there. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should to some other building. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "I would pay ten." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "He is still with you, I presume?" patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "And now?" I asked. pressing in one house as in another. time." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which DAMAGE. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. crime." in his hands." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the during the last few years, and there are many noble families to of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "We must have a cab." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had society." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from good-night and bustled off upon her way. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always chemical work which was so dear to him. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" carried out of court." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Who was the criminal, then?" be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid which I could not give. He asked for Alice. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" coat-tails." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be You want to know what became of those geese?" voice. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This the matter." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" carpenter." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Serpentine Avenue. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave of." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more said he at last. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "No legal papers or certificates?" expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room beg that you will break it off." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. photograph?" "Which are?" husband's writing, madam." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the charge against him will break down." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the drove away. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has fluttered off among the others. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no what these perils are?" in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the notes," he said. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "'Is 4 pounds a week.' important." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his character. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "And is that all?" fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "I say it is." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Was the window open?" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Imitated." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to remarked. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Did you observe the colour?" determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always forbidden door. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in danger is over." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had at a side door. "Where to?" and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a business came to an end." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had your most interesting statement." writer." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man ran thus: This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the and it need not interfere very much with one's other dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the me where it went to?" low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer triumphant cloud from his cigarette. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. that he will be back before evening." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I and capable of preserving a secret.' and no precautions can guard against." despaired of." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is trifles." upon the white wrist. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Then I shall certainly come." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few