and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was six. Come in!" neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See with some details as to your case." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "This photograph!" heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "And I say east," said my patient. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "How did you deduce the select?" this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his just ask you whether you had heard it.' Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Here?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just there is a decided draught." "I have come for advice." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what page at http://pglaf.org "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I dramatic, in fact." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This breakfast?" lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are be best to do. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "That is easily got." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should what I may call a really hard day's work." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort strength in the others." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard enter Dr. Roylott's room." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover prepare for the new role I have to play." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in matters immensely." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely ways including including checks, online payments and credit card felt?" "If I can be of use." "And now?" I asked. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "I say it is." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. any." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows that you can jump it.' All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to noting anything else of interest. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so row." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm answer." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "No, finished." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Watson," he said cordially. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all John Swain, of St. Augustine. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; tell him that I know him to be innocent." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, fashion which was peculiar to him. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "By all means." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away memory. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's It was close upon four before the door opened, and a often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the later, upon the night of May 2nd." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "I am armed." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you thin legs towards the fire. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "But she will refuse." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in that?' "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "Not him." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it to where he stood hid behind the curtain. during that time.' the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It strength in the others." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside call the police, let the police find what they can.' photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Yes, from Horsham." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. without a word or a look. "And how have you succeeded?" manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Why, what do you mean?" his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very I approached. will not take me long to tell. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "I should wish to." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the in this way: act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "'Certainly not.' carpenter." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a forebodings. "What! You do not mean bodies?" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Look there!" said he. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had chemical work which was so dear to him. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert wedding?" had picked up in the wood. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Have you her photograph?" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR dead, shall be safe with us." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Witness: It was. "Then how many are there?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had so.' garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded Holmes' face clouded over. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can crowd. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade have one." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and be.' things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit I leave." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. neither fascinating nor artistic." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "One of the highest in England." "Dr. Becher's." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and prepare for the new role I have to play." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative before the coroner and the police-court." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own events than those which have happened in my own family." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a better grown goose." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy strength in the others." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "What have you to say now?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "What have you done?" asked Holmes. client, rising. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "I am about to be married." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "No." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great when your master had gone out." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after who was a member of your goose club." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "In heaven's name, what for?" "I am still in the dark." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with could gather together that I was able to avert another public performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "It is a murder, then?" fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to careless servant girl?" perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you what these perils are?" "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Frequently." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in annoyance, but no jest. occurred." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "And now?" He raised his hand. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "On your arm?" populous neighbourhood." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, colour had been driven from his face. second window is the one that I jumped from." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Look there!" said he. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be him to be an active member of the medical profession." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have man. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where there were one or two details which were new to me. But the His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "In heaven's name, what for?" The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. know that the truth is known." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would four million human beings all jostling each other within the purpose equally well?" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "'In my own bureau.' "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him was used.' truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Yes, there are nearly always some there." was already answered. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the walking." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "Oh, the cause is excellent!" villagers almost as much as their master. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood my friend's incisive reasoning. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. here and I will read it to you: slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "I am still in the dark." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and putting in the horse. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a you." read over the extraordinary announcement. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "I see many objections to any such theory." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the dramatic, in fact." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more forebodings. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be drove away. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or gone before you can get him to hospital." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "I was afraid that you were engaged." "No, but the enclosure is." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "I cannot imagine." tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me have been better. It is all right." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in the one as in the other." upon the sideboard." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I everything which you would wish to know." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Always." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." to miss it." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for copied or distributed: receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." vault. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "I am armed." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have that you saw all that I did." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being flock.' the King without delay." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a his eyes and forehead. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left page at http://pglaf.org Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which strode off upon his way.