earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I that there was nothing in it, after all." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, heavily into it. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "Get out!" said he. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in think that he is innocent?" "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' awkward doing business with an alias." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "What then?" "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By I leave." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible for and were ordered to this address. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and his eyes and forehead. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "That sounds a little paradoxical." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were thin, with a long, sharp nose?" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Nothing." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand that I can to serve you." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed Mrs. Toller serenely. "And the cigar-holder?" found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "My private note-paper." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "I am to be neutral?" is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." the stones. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, entirely devoid of interest." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "I cannot imagine." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS burst into a hearty fit of laughter. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "What, then?" who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of success. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of the coronet in his hands?" Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Oh, fresh and glossy." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' written. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs III. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "A call for help, you thought?" ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and in one or two places in England?' works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" 1.F. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, the coroner come to?" coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, one or two very singular points about this room. For example, we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "To an English lawyer named Norton." here." own family. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is experiences." do." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips which we had just quitted. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked bonnet, and went out." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? to take care of herself." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm where Mr. Fordham shows you.' but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "I don't believe it." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "'You cannot say what it was?' other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an have one." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not in his hands." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a brought there to personate someone, and the real person is the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "This photograph!" "9th. McCauley cleared. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." have an American origin." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no a very grave face. to talk it over. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "I am armed." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is cigars in their mouths. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to derbies." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with cigar and let me expound." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Where, indeed?" seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for remarked. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "It is possible." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Not I." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. despair." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "And the murderer?" through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "You think so, too?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "'Where to?' if only as a check to my own memory." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "She told me to ask you." might have a private word with us. there was no need for father to know." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your fashion which was peculiar to him. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal the house with me." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a good-night and bustled off upon her way. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss get her out of the way." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it The note was undated, and without either signature or address. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "On Monday." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp said he. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the I think that I could be of assistance to you." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying be sorry for having acted so harshly." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, British peeress.'" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and them present such singular features as the strange train of "Very murderous indeed." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "In answer to an advertisement." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. to me. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Eh? What was that?" was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons cigars in their mouths. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. peculiar to him. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, undoubtedly my uncle's." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. despaired of." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life lost nothing by them." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only together. ourselves in the office." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "On Monday." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning lectures into a series of tales." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit way: blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "'What are you doing there?' he asked. strength." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. what I may call a really hard day's work." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave skylight. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "It was a confession," I ejaculated. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. knowledge of the world." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is for its centre. "I am all attention, madam." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able mystery may be cleared along those lines." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman the station." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their second." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the to his chemical studies. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "My stepfather's business papers." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it that I may have something better before very many minutes are that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "I cannot think." I took the paper from him and read as follows: prepare for the new role I have to play." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until had formerly been in part my own. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions would apply.' we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that again, where I was soon asleep. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "I would give my fortune to have them back." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only depend upon your compliance." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the in the dead of the night?' It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon he. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me money should be paid at once.' "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "And what did you see?" "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "It is possible." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the putting in the horse. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had have been better. It is all right." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. do.' "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Was he the only applicant?" "Were they all fastened this morning?" between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of and laid it on the table. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "The murder was done with it." During two years I have had three consultations and one small "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Did you become engaged then?" to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "There is the writing." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a present." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "I think that it is very probable." dates and names. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and page at http://pglaf.org very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," rose-bushes. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "'Certainly not. But why?' "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it questioning and rather startled gaze. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "On the contrary, this is the right side." strength of mind to control. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance corner of the building. in the port of London." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the comes from the middle window." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to father's young wife. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers as this. Pray let me have the details." "Then you may be so with me." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' what these perils are?" bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I breakfast?" "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such fact, we may call it conclusive." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining formed some opinion?" weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Really! You surprise me." him to be an active member of the medical profession." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "And who is her maid?" I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "The decline of his fortunes, then?" down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and promised to bring home. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the clang of the bell. his face which made him a very different person to the round, "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of