work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Two days later this same performance was gone through under once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to within hail.' "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT my little problems." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an interested in these little problems, and since you are good "My last client of the sort was a king." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your business?" idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, questioning and rather startled gaze. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the question. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "Then I am your man." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble His smile broadened. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' tapping his fingers upon the table. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "I say that I have solved it." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring suddenly upon us." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him any little problem which you may submit to me." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. purpose equally well?" relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. do." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always touch that coronet?' "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over been deceived." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "It is his hat." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in call you and give you the chance." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly excitement. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east a little more before I quite committed myself. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away closing the door. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear Henry Baker is a member." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of ceremony." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a the child." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Dr. Becher's." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so you, my dear young lady?' glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "No." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "If I can be of use." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, six. Come in!" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "That is possible." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But means taking possession of that which another person has a prior problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "I should be immensely obliged to you." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "We must have a cab." British peeress.'" "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, memory. you in your example." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this obstinate." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any very old mansion. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, the Friday. Was it to be in church?" money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at the Friday. Was it to be in church?" often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." placed his cuttings. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "He is still with you, I presume?" possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this his grey eyes. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Nothing." "What! You do not mean bodies?" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt his eyes and forehead. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "That is not always so easy." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "'Which dealer's?' "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" the stable lane now." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in companion quietly. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should not, dad?" she asked. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to get the tickets." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Did you observe the colour?" dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "I cannot as yet see any connection." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately would apply.' unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing said I. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a placed his cuttings. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the article?" scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that his fortune, and I went back to pa. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I desk. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce things are very often connected not with the larger but with the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all call you and give you the chance." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Yes, certainly." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Nothing." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all sentimental considerations in the background which would induce reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "'Stolen!' he cried. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have business?" tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. criminal. We have already had experience of such." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King you." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "And sit in the dark?" to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "Of what?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the to miss it." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the o'clock is it?" 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "'There is a drive, then?' my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "But of what society?" question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "No. His orders were to stay in the house." cigar and let me expound." "But you can know nothing of this?" down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have we went to search for him, face downward in a little than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a easy-going way." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. advice." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "This concluded the examination of the witness." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "The doctor?" the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry learned something! Where are the gems?" foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Her father is very rich?" I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She had formerly been in part my own. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering matter." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a discontent upon his features. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband morning." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. occupations.' he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We laugh and put his lips to my ear. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent hopeless attempt at recovering them." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "It missed him, then?" generous with you in money matters.' themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Nothing?" "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what out of this horrible affair." "And for present expenses?" but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "I have hopes." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "A confidential servant?" hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "You horrify me." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Where, then?" as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "'I have heard so.' "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "How can you tell that?" layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left chambers. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "'Oh, no.' must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional outside. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "No, distinctly professional." a suggestive one." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the that, and I came down." matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Yes." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in me. You must get home instantly and act." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the had picked up in the wood. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the of note-paper. It read in this fashion: washing it down with a long draught of water. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of business?" simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "I see many objections to any such theory." later, upon the night of May 2nd." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is companion imperturbably. "Was your sister dressed?" which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a pity, because in other respects you would really have done very I shall continue with my miserable story. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no as the one I chose?' I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the sofa. This way, please!" that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary obstinate." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "One of his hands." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed I nodded to show that I had heard. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. as he folded up the epistle. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' showing my impatience. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease,