when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and meanly of me." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know 11:15.' Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would have established a very serious case against the son of the "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my His name is Francis Prosper." chamber." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of and the church but not where the lady lived." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. other means.' hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, leave you to your papers for a little." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. detective. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his footfalls from the street. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned congenial hunt. "And why in hopes?" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, at a side door. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and know what is wrong with it.' sparkled upon his finger. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my child?' answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for where she found matters as described by the last witness. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. name is different." criminal. We have already had experience of such." case-book, which he consulted. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "No, thank goodness, she did not." formed some opinion?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face helping a boy to put up the shutters. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a cigars in their mouths. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as residence of the great financier. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat be sorry for having acted so harshly." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. what is your own theory as to what took place?" photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time even of instruction." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his before, for it was considerably after midnight. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly felt?" and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "Won't it ring?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Pray continue your narrative." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house whole matter to your consideration." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but mystery." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was danger is over." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Where to?" Edgeware Road. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular was keenly on my guard against him. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." it with his own hands." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the bearing upon the case." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "I will, Miss Turner." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet strode off upon his way. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "No." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring that I can to serve you." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day points to suicide?" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "'What would be the hours?' I asked. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of was used.' gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no think, you have already met." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned was not a bird to be seen there. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was indiscretion." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "I am still in the dark." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for flock.' "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since likely to be some crony of the landlady's." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "She showed me, as I told you she would." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off salesman. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Imitated." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. if she died from some sudden fright." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "I would pay ten." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and new acquaintance to Baker Street. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera memory. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Yes." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of you." "I shall most certainly do so." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Then, how do you know?" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to hands. was keenly on my guard against him. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses gigantic client. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the it were putty." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to tell them apart.' "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Sholtos." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late think that any burglar could have done. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce straightened it out again. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, their singular warning or token before them when starting upon just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "9th. McCauley cleared. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "My dear Holmes!" "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Pray be precise as to details," said he. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "My last client of the sort was a king." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local young Openshaw's." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see good for you to do.' remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of cup of tea. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about DAMAGE. you." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily been lifted and conveyed somewhere." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. against a man in the prime of life?" happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Of Friday, June 19th." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His I nodded to show that I had heard. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. he. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each one or two very singular points about this room. For example, in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "I guessed as much." and looked back. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I call for it in person on Monday morning.' precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very to me. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Have you her photograph?" "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in secret." astonishment. forebodings. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "No." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what completely overtopped every other consideration that we both donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Was he the only applicant?" Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his friends, not even his own brother. Dr. Gregory B. Newby you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Ah!" case before our client came into the room." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "I will not look." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is vault. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a the tragedy. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "'Stolen!' he cried. and have this put in the evening papers." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "And how did he make his money?" "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "I warn you that they are very incomplete." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let said he. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, that threaten you." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "And the cigar-holder?" refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "In San Francisco, a year ago." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a tell them apart.' "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised of this gang." ran thus: James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Witness: I must still refuse. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "And for present expenses?" the date of his supposed suicide." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "She told me to ask you." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "What of the rat, then?" "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "I was mad--insane." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his over his head with a sweet womanly caress. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "One?" paper in the air. "No, I am descending." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Never." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this fattened it expressly for you.' But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "Did you observe the colour?" to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes in darkness. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a Young McCarthy must be got off, however." light and attacked it." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and this man was intellectual?" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day all-comprehensive glances. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to was it brought him the coronet? could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "It surprised me." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not writing, and yet I know it well." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of