brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled directors, with the result that you have seen." deduce something from that?" what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "'A dozen yards or so.' solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "How long did she speak to this Alice?" lost nothing by them." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm guilty one." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied details should find their way into the papers. Inspector her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "I think that it is very probable." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's better grown goose." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "That is possible." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a an introduction to him?" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side you." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is and no precautions can guard against." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "How on earth--" I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. cigars in their mouths. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close during which he might have communicated with his friend the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "None. Neville wrote those words." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out delirious. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Witness: Nothing definite. I am not easy in my mind about them." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go you." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day developed." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, Street. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the I nodded to show that I had heard. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Then, as to money?" Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "No, my brougham is waiting." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have said I. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the 'I should be able to look after that for you.' which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered or other trace. But how on earth--" They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Whose house is it?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my business in the City. She little knew what. instincts rose up against that laugh. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no extraordinary contortions. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "No, I think that I'll take it." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold bachelor.' know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a if I call to-morrow?" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "And how did he make his money?" "Yes." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great despair." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those to-night's adventure." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, said he. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of derbies." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Was she in good spirits?" straighten it?" "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the that threaten you." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. once more to my work. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "'Never.' "I shall be delighted." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we easy-going way." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "I will do it." "That's no good." "'Is purely nominal.' All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found open." "Not him." "Deserted you?" pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "May I see it?" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." other lovers by making love himself." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the with her." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and call for protection in the marriage market, for the present Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very already been minutely examined." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the bed dies. Does not that strike you?" glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. name is different." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "It is a murder, then?" to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring charge against him will break down." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "And now?" He raised his hand. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this better grown goose." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. that there was nothing in it, after all." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "I do." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning once more on the important position which you have been fortunate blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Come in!" said he. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Deserted you?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "'I have heard so.' 1.E.9. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than guilty one." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two is worth.' "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. may never be exposed to such a temptation." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For answered with a sidelong glance. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday upon the sideboard." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "But how will you look?" "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and discontent upon his features. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained not interfere, come what may. You understand?" have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Do you receive much company?" he asked. annoyance, but no jest. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "What office?" his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve was once confined in the cab my mission was practically pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "My own seal." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "I shall be delighted." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. evidence," I remarked. she might be summoned. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "Then you may entirely rely on me." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and kindly on the shoulder. "'Yes, sir.' makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. furiously. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived rose-bushes. wanted for ourselves." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "My own seal." "Yes." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low you?' voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a system of imprisonment?" former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" think you a quite exceptional woman." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow lamp in his hand. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Stoke Moran?" said he. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen peculiar to him. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which back into the street. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some future lives." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "It was a confession," I ejaculated. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, knowledge of the world." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. his forehead." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which ashen face. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can purpose equally well?" George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my never to learn it at all." despaired of." orange pips. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "So I have heard." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his horse could go." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or in his power. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long right! Sit down and let us talk it over." hereditary King of Bohemia." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. appeared upon the scene." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have