which was all perfectly true. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress habit of advancing money.' "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a one else, I think." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who and a shock of very red hair. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father Holmes. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing taking in every detail of the apartment. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. other means.' he bowed and left the room without another word. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "I am armed." and glanced through. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time The King stared at him in amazement. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through the south-west, I see." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying suggested at once that there must be a communication between the slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "What!" he roared. directly by questioning you." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the the loss of it. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am fattened it expressly for you.' as yours." face and glided from the room. your own bird, so if you wish--" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "I cannot tell." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment the running down." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a tell him that I know him to be innocent." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "'Never.' seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The American. Then who could this American be, and why should he the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I off." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. bare slabs of marble. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' more terrible than the truth. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Yes, all." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "And leave your case unfinished?" clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be most important business. It is probable that he will be away all and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up something of him before." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year room. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's stalked out of the room. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "She will not sell." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were Countess of Morcar's?" I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of me." at a side door. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried everything which you would wish to know." have accepted such a situation. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was Sutherland. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "How on earth--" "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being was already answered. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we if I call to-morrow?" "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly the Red-headed League." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue back to my heart. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that the very letters. But what is this written above them?' was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor at my remark. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my to you." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone Holmes rather sternly. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns shoulder. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many writer." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' intrusion of other matters." envelope. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey McCarthy." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "My opinion is in no way altered." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant him to be an active member of the medical profession." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "It is no ordinary one." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "I should like to see him very much." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, the roots. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow in his power. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "It was a confession," I ejaculated. get the tickets." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after remarked. tapping his fingers upon the table. said I. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through and your relations to her." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." several quiet little villages up there." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Get out!" said he. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to looking up at the numbers of the houses." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "I am to be neutral?" sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right have had none more fantastic than this." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching what is your own theory as to what took place?" pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Yes." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years lips." straightened it out again. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "Nor running a chance of arrest?" the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg conduct the inquiry." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before the salesman. villagers almost as much as their master. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "That sounds a little paradoxical." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to think you a quite exceptional woman." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and States. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I more solid." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they later, upon the night of May 2nd." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "The gentleman I describe." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, flock.' consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found sparkled upon his finger. "Nearly eleven." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the sentimental considerations in the background which would induce which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side me. You must get home instantly and act." bell. Holmes whistled. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out the coroner come to?" gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I appeared upon the scene." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Yes." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable coat-tails." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and wedding?" distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "'Most admirably.' clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "'Is purely nominal.' In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done my former friend and companion. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "'It is locked up,' I answered. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "It is true that I have been generally successful." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were think you a quite exceptional woman." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? and the whole place is in a blaze." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, my special province." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. it." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Of what day?" The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. to tell." "Very truly yours, chill to my heart. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, promised to bring home. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, frequently gained my first real insight into the character of however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this strode off upon his way. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to again, where I was soon asleep. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Yes." in his power. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with depend upon my doing so.' "But his lameness?" afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. client, rising. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Has he come with you to-night?" "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "So I am. Very much so." once more. page at http://pglaf.org chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "I am sure." forecastle of an emigrant ship. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "You are certainly joking, Holmes." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "I see many objections to any such theory." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal was it brought him the coronet? paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the me. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with him. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this away in different directions, and I went off to make my own for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside lumber-room." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a until night should bring an explanation. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "I cannot say that I have." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these Countess of Morcar's?" Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove