front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat Foundation "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I him." "You will not go there first?" work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Were they all fastened this morning?" was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "It is no ordinary one." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well I. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and Where does the thing come from?' that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a of Mr. Rucastle's." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. which it had come upon my father." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled as the one I chose?' be best to do. ago." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "It is very clear." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite the bottom.' dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "ARAT," I read. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent to change my dress. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after it right.' "What?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good dead, shall be safe with us." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert must be when I saw the door open.' ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my what I may call a really hard day's work." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have sparkled upon his finger. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, to tell." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the of note-paper. It read in this fashion: avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "And now?" I asked. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If thirty. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry your troubles." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Where did you address your letters, then?" face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a will he say when he returns?" than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "Tired-looking or fresh?" stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Very. But will he see it?" see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "'Certainly not. But why?' smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, again on its way. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of and effective." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Holmes. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get hand, madam?" room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Quite so. She has her freedom." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Certainly." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of waste of energy." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "'Why that?' I asks. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "'Yes, I promise.' looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very during which he might have communicated with his friend the of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are and capable of preserving a secret.' as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next developed." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most the salesman. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "I answered that I had not. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had like gravel from a pit.' my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "'What would be the hours?' I asked. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "It is true that I have been generally successful." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous key of the affair now." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. lamp in his hand. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. affection." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, questioning and rather startled gaze. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by reach." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and you for a few hours?" Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Married! When?" buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an him, that man would not have given me such complete information He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "And why in hopes?" But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough you do it in twenty minutes!' "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "'Quite sure, dad.' "How do you know, then?" ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "Nothing." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and open." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "But not more so than I to find you." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little rat could hardly pass through." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold prisoner's face. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed was shining brightly. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Nothing." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man himself to tell his story. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a it with his own hands." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I bonnet, and went out." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To question. "Have you her photograph?" ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father page at http://pglaf.org have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close appeared upon the scene." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just in your London, you will know that the office of the company is one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one them present such singular features as the strange train of the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it case-book, which he consulted. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "And for present expenses?" endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted married her." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was had this final quarrel? "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just hurried by. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Can I be of assistance?" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "Was your sister dressed?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "So I am. Very much so." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and Arthur Conan Doyle answered with a sidelong glance. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and over with notes and figures. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Ample." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "In answer to an advertisement." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "'Entirely.' that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. directors, with the result that you have seen." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Perfectly so." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, The summons was a brief and urgent one. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "One?" objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "And Irene Adler?" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "The vanishing of the lady." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the fact, we may call it conclusive." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," my secret was safe in his possession. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Then I shall certainly come." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "In what way?" asked Holmes. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he papers." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked upon the shelf for the interim." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" coroner's jury." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, note?" with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal will take you up to see the machine.' from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "No, thank goodness, she did not." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "He might." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another key of the affair now." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and photograph?" of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it hour." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "'What then?' I asked. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Whose house is it?" my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against mystery!" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do colonel looking down at me. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a never to learn it at all." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call out." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "Just look it up, then." and no precautions can guard against." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "He said too much." dramatic, in fact."