"Entirely." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning down in his armchair and closing his eyes. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, train.' until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my telegram would bring me down to your help." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as when your master had gone out." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "'About the same.' entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "I will, Miss Turner." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, your most interesting statement." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Nearly eleven." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "On your arm?" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "My Mary? Impossible!" the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" dramatic, in fact." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in exactly what you advise." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to said he, "my real name is James Ryder." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Ah!" the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you villagers almost as much as their master. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "What office?" "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "'Quite sure, dad.' How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am that there was nothing in it, after all." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor observed. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most retorted upon me, and I on you." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Quite so. She has her freedom." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back in his hands." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." overpowering excitement and concern. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family not come at once?" receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy the date of his supposed suicide." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, anything to a woman, for she would have her way." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the window when the police appeared." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs your most interesting statement." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them sofa. This way, please!" threw himself down with his face to the pillow. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. it." had picked up in the wood. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "It is half-past ten now." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the shall not find me ungrateful." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of as he remarks, very much against the son." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a McCarthy's innocence. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped there!' by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "You will not go there first?" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly of the way of danger. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are head. So long, then!" statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the for the market.' "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long skylight. "I don't say that. Perhaps." know what is wrong with it.' the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "You are certainly joking, Holmes." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near was feeling which was the fattest.' unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "9th. McCauley cleared. we went to search for him, face downward in a little "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Tired-looking or fresh?" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the green of the new foliage. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his unclasping of his long thin hands. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a distinguish the words: going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "Nor running a chance of arrest?" know what is wrong with it.' The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul security.' He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Yes." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat said I. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which it." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "At the wedding breakfast." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "But it has twice been burgled." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Never." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a ordinary clothes on?" "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must maid will bring up your coffee." province." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Quite so." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal one or two very singular points about this room. For example, giving me time to thank him. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it least a most suspicious remark." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "Certainly." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he what I may call a really hard day's work." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "At half-wages, in fact." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course the running down." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." persecution?" matter over." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we case before our client came into the room." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "10th. John Swain cleared. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be a very grave face. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "How long did she speak to this Alice?" an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to golden eyeglasses. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "No." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a formed some opinion?" more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "What have you done?" asked Holmes. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "You'll never persuade me to believe that." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a quite distinctive." there has been an enclosure here!" gentleman's clothes. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project of." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and from you?" for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "I should like to see him very much." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the at once, for I have only half an hour." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and people in all walks of life. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "'Then let me do so?' It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend hour." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, presented more singular features than that which was associated Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which presume?" "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "That is possible." fatally injured? "You are all wrong." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of not as remarkable as your advertisement." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat coroner's jury." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I himself to tell his story. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms distance from the station, and there we found the young lady day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside Munro.' say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "It is true that I have been generally successful." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin in a very precise fashion." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "And leave your case unfinished?" Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Oh, the cause is excellent!" had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and interests were the same as his." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a them, and came down just as you departed. overpowering excitement and concern. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of that you saw all that I did." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, States. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from read over the extraordinary announcement. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Yes, from Horsham." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "They are typewritten," I remarked. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town have I gained?" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert eavesdroppers?' fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked their singular warning or token before them when starting upon society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was of this gang." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every maiden herself was most instructive." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." waste of energy." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his maiden herself was most instructive." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little where Mr. Fordham shows you.' kind enough to tell me what I should do." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was For additional contact information: "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at awaited us upon the table. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, had this final quarrel? Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight foresight and the moral retrogression?" mysterious end." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of future lives." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may next day. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the or in danger--" quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you one of them." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "You know me, then?" furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "ARAT," I read. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I ashen face. jewels which you have stolen?' "The doctor?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "What!" he roared. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. of a light. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased