Holmes rather sternly. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the The events in question occurred in the early days of my roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "But not more so than I to find you." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing noise which awoke you from your sleep?" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since think that he is innocent?" of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "It was a confession," I ejaculated. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will train from Paddington which would bring you there at about absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but will not take me long to tell. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at events than those which have happened in my own family." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I the so-precious time, but come!' twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation Sutherland?" passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of Sholtos." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Frequently." "The best possible." empty. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this learned something! Where are the gems?" "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. and no precautions can guard against." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "You have but to name it." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the best detective that ever lived. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "By no means." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious salesman. washing it down with a long draught of water. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "'What do you call purely nominal?' done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both voice, changing her seat as requested. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "It is true that I have been generally successful." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "I should be immensely obliged to you." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and fait accompli?" "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers secret." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We money should be paid at once.' hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, must compliment you." where we are going." him and tried to hold him back. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking way: and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "I was mad--insane." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in where Mr. Fordham shows you.' result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." was lame." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the bearing upon the case." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Where, indeed?" recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his shadow pass over his face as I spoke. tension within him. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of it." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "What can you not understand?" tell them apart.' "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. deduce something from that?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Will you go?" of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I to a light-house. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? upon the white wrist. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting arrangements." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and unprecedented a position." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "In answer to an advertisement." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has matter." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To absorbing." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to once more on the important position which you have been fortunate from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project ceremony." this unhappy family?" of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Pray tell us what has happened to you." people in all walks of life. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in James Windibank. Voilà tout!" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Certainly." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a nothing with him." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother during that time.' I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else death." views." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our formed some opinion?" attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of the loss of it. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the returned to France?" frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by the best of training." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My go from here to the Strand." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Do you go out much in society?" I am not easy in my mind about them." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been already referred to. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would to talk it over. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. public press." one's self under obligations.' "You think so, too?" crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it papers on the sundial.'" old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "And help." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility I nodded to show that I had heard. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "One of the highest in England." shoulder. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "10th. John Swain cleared. husband's writing, madam." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin trying to your nerves." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, brain must have something in it." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst it were putty." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving business?" vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Why serious?" time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to habit of advancing money.' of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "'You doubt its value?' he asked. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, plantation.' envelope. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich the running down." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Very murderous indeed." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "My dear Holmes!" I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "10th. John Swain cleared. one else, I think." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall emerged. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "I should wish to." opportunities to fix the problem. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time towards the blaze. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while searched, without anything being found which could incriminate still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What said I. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little cheerful." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar your troubles." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "But how?" Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "And leave your case unfinished?" conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "What!" he roared. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very he bowed and left the room without another word. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Not I." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Imitated." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled other, as fresh and trim as possible. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his himself. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a instincts rose up against that laugh. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that next day. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by but preventing her from injuring another. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" tension within him. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "But he might be a bachelor." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." few hundred pounds.' "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the is worth.' souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in she slowly sank and died without having recovered her - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free orange pips. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "But of what society?" livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his trying to your nerves." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "I am in hopes that she does." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "His face fell immediately. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, this Miss Turner." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you was keenly on my guard against him. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. will not take me long to tell. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in thought that she would have been so carried away." crime." beyond words. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "And how did you verify them?" from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and corner of the building. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "I am in hopes that she does." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building that the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' burst into a hearty fit of laughter. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Can I be of assistance?" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my woman." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" humiliation." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. direction." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Perfectly so." believe that I should never have any practice at all. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There there is a decided draught."