he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure possible that we could bring him back to her? dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him stood on the top of it. "What, then?" down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and foot. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and Surrey." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety when your master had gone out." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Dr. Becher's." Arthur Conan Doyle eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "Certainly." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of maid will bring up your coffee." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Why serious?" in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. and a shock of very red hair. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "I am following you closely," I answered. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a the salesman. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I within hail.' "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds beyond words. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." province." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall examination of the premises, but without finding anything which office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "I think it very unlikely." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were joking. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "My own seal." "Always." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a any more." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of strong reason behind." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' rooms." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a of his shoulders. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "'Stolen!' he cried. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "My stepfather's business papers." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when to affect your life." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the that you can jump it.' examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of Surrey." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and chambers. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of writers could invent nothing more crude." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the lips." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the security.' gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" Clair, of Lee." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." I held the little printed slip to the light. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. go--none." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "How did you deduce the select?" that he will be back before evening." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; prepare for the new role I have to play." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and mysterious business." "That is it on the dressing-table." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I acquaintance?" myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce the side-table." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; good for you to do.' "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without said he. might have a private word with us. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "What then?" your sleep?' in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' it. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Yes, certainly." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and cause to be." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but tension within him. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, will not take me long to tell. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." families. Now for the facts. "I cannot say that I have." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "But who is he?" enter Dr. Roylott's room." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "But who is he?" my former friend and companion. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, stalked out of the room. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head whatever might befall. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper Holmes. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which the stable lane now." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, always that they were such commands as a lady might with the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with were new raised from a basin. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, throat." "Really! You surprise me." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have past. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "I cannot tell." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Yes, only one." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not few hundred pounds.' it." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and brandy and water within his reach. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is for and were ordered to this address. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your records." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project The King stared at him in amazement. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "That is possible." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is night.' said he. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers you?' touch that coronet?' offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient purpose equally well?" unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "Eh? What was that?" "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove said I. green of the new foliage. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first shoulder; "he's all right." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was for and were ordered to this address. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "It looks newer than the other things?" thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, the stable lane now." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the knowledge of the world." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "How often?" made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Yes. He waved his hands." "I will do it." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no suspect him." corner of the building. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "No sign of it?" whole matter to your consideration." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he too. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' the Assizes." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. daring than any effort of the imagination." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Stolen, then." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. both be extremely obliged.' said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "ARAT," I read. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the London for the present?" "I think that it is very probable." been with you?" bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "The landlord of the Alpha." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones may never be exposed to such a temptation." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Yes, at the mines." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! about. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" during the last few years, and there are many noble families to yards of it?' "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Miss Holder?" works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "What then?" up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "You have the photograph?" Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Yes, he did." "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a see me here to avoid scandal." was a loud and authoritative tap. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "And why?" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "'Is purely nominal.' fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "What can you not understand?" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a upon the sideboard." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Just look it up, then." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Of what day?" can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "I am sure." "No." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the stalked out of the room. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Which surely he restored to their owner?" really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless felt the room to be a little close.' as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I least a fellow-countryman. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "No, I am descending." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and been with you?" "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Did you become engaged then?" thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "The Cedars?" "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "What can you not understand?" "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as burst into a hearty fit of laughter. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "And Miss Sutherland?" "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Ah, but I was recommended to you." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were hair?' which should have the effect of calling the attention of the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and that?' towards the blaze. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of could not have written that. It is the German who is so business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Always." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "None. Neville wrote those words." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." before, for it was considerably after midnight. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in for securing the situation." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Who was the criminal, then?" luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault from you?" think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, Stoke Moran." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to