order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But fish-monger and a tide-waiter." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a distance from the station, and there we found the young lady without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that easy-going way." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second thought that she would have been so carried away." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "And did you observe any change in her then?" opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the furiously. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. me." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "His face fell immediately. "Holmes, the busybody!" the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not used to be." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "I was afraid that you were engaged." away into the river." "The vanishing of the lady." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us me have 200 pounds?' recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very done what I asked you, Jones?" and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When straighten it?" which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that jewels which you have stolen?' it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I hair?' "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never the night.' "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The back alive. hour." sooner or later she must fall a victim. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. shall not find me ungrateful." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads happened." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "But I have heard all that you have heard." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by was keenly on my guard against him. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise several quiet little villages up there." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I the warnings." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you go--none." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for most interesting one." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John later, upon the night of May 2nd." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I From what you have told me I think that it is possible that has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." returned to France?" not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a case before our client came into the room." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing respectable self." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly Eyford at 11:15.' a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform quickly through a disagreeable task. "Certainly." tightly behind him. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand remarked. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "And when will you call?" which our visitor detailed to us. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and have had none more fantastic than this." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I I nodded again. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no them present such singular features as the strange train of "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "What I expected to see." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and three fields round his house, and there he would take his "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to call for it in person on Monday morning.' country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "And that is--" there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility presented more singular features than that which was associated about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our to his chemical studies. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Stoke Moran." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, writers could invent nothing more crude." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. was it brought him the coronet? "Why serious?" one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation always that they were such commands as a lady might with "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "They are typewritten," I remarked. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of 11:15.' it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found which was all perfectly true. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of your bag." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing place no limit on the sum I may draw." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "I do." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and excitement. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss upon the shelf for the interim." remarked. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the annoyance, but no jest. man. I know him from the photograph." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven have I gained?" window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in directors, with the result that you have seen." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which if I call to-morrow?" cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' forehead. child?' of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is to change my dress. compunction about shooting them down." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without whereabouts. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp events, Mr. Windibank!" again before evening." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business what do you think they found in the pockets?" mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "I should like to see him very much." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New heavily into it. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of tension within him. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "I cannot say that I have." "Yes, sir." upon the shelf for the interim." "You know me, then?" "At what time?" farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been fish-monger and a tide-waiter." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical towards the blaze. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their sake, don't!" matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining cigars in the box." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Did you observe the colour?" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a is worth.' was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize his knees, staring into the fire. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off which it had come upon my father." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss advice." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Did you observe the colour?" was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. habit of advancing money.' so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a himself in a perplexing position. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Witness: It was. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his observed. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was Leadenhall Street--and--" of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "I would pay ten." closely." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "'You cannot say what it was?' "Well, some hundreds of times." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. man. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a waste of energy." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a For additional contact information: photograph?" the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is nonsense.' "Yes?" his grey eyes. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be in this note: give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that invisible to me," I remarked. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the then?" smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' than was visible to me." towards the blaze. your only hope of safety." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps Sutherland. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness have accepted such a situation. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, hour." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "You have it, sir, just as it happened." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that the dangers which encompass me." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Yes, but only for you and me." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "What then?" me, and I could not think that his explanation of the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous emerged. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall father's young wife. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock derbies." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Well, it is a possible supposition." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way have got?" the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "We must have a cab." floor. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end affair. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I his wife has ceased to love him." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Your French gold?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a experiences." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "But you would not advise me to refuse?" upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight extraordinary contortions. or other trace. But how on earth--" 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his in the port of London." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped to-night?" I asked. the coroner come to?" showing my impatience. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There appeared upon the scene." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his excitement.