And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. front of me. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "That sounds a little paradoxical." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Then you may entirely rely on me." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. me have 200 pounds?' he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my meanly of me." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers for its centre. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." to have been novel and of interest." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "My stepfather's business papers." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he make me his representative both with the servants and with the Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the the nursery. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Nothing." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a someone who had been in Australia." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "And from a noble client?" "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "The King of Scandinavia." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear than was visible to me." "That was it, sir." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as I think that I could be of assistance to you." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight arms and began to sob in a high treble key. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "It is true that I have been generally successful." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." advice." as he folded up the epistle. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just have one." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. mysterious business." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "'What are you doing there?' he asked. jewels which you have stolen?' "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "The knees of his trousers." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City constraint." "Yes." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend Serpentine Avenue. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "You have but to name it." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "ARAT," I read. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure could not have written that. It is the German who is so gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite tear off another piece?' could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced fishes. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "An accident, I presume?" whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "Was the window open?" zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, detective. "Texas, I think." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. What do you deduce from it?" she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "If so, much may have happened between." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we heavy and sharp instrument." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "What is it?" room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more McCarthy's innocence. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "You were travelling in the States?" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found writing, and yet I know it well." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" will not take me long to tell. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and mystery." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come and put his glass in his pocket. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same cause to be." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between everything which you would wish to know." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on it means?" "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, copied or distributed: "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my Count Von Kramm." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to the date of his supposed suicide." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her remarked. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it from you?" felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We colour had been driven from his face. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad crackling voice. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us me where it went to?" This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "And did you observe any change in her then?" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not of them has the shutters up.' box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This without a word or a look. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Oh, yes, easily." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until in his hands." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that Pope's Court. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, round with crates and massive boxes. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That been deceived." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is notes," he said. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Is he quiet?" the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "But how did you gain them?" struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Where to?" the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Well, it is a possible supposition." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "I beg pardon." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, October 9, 1890. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "An accident, I presume?" "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on horse could go." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the people in all walks of life. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope the Friday. Was it to be in church?" such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "But how will you look?" "Here?" offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as to me. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "So I am. Very much so." "Perhaps we may make them less so." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; locked. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. this Miss Turner." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "You heard nothing yourself last night?" massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was furiously. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "She told me to ask you." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "How many? I don't know." were wasted." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and true." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss future lives." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the I took the paper from him and read as follows: When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "That's no good." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a her also." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no money should be paid at once.' nonsense.' "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any nothing of it?" The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the affair. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "What do you make of that, Watson?" platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." present." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "You are certainly joking, Holmes." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate new acquaintance to Baker Street. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "At the wedding breakfast." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "But how?" to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little hard-headed British jury." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the The King stared at him in amazement. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a that he will be back before evening." up this clue while it is still hot." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations learned something! Where are the gems?" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my photograph?" last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this have I gained?" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to wedding?" the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very pound a week." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and to his chemical studies. even of instruction." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" the child." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "In the cells." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only than was visible to me." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how heavily into it. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have to a more successful conclusion." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little floor. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, out of this horrible affair." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of least a fellow-countryman. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters reach." this man was intellectual?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "I answered that I had not. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "My dear Holmes!" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has you." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting down. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. three of the beryls in it, was missing. salesman. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the had formerly been in part my own. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at discontent upon his features. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an of a light. "You have compromised yourself seriously." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used confronted him. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned cigar and let me expound." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses the salesman. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under have not had my rubber."