before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "VIOLET HUNTER." fear." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "It missed him, then?" conduct the inquiry." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to his wife has ceased to love him." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have 1.F. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the I nodded again. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must I took the paper from him and read as follows: vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would again, where I was soon asleep. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to a monotonous occupation." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I was a perfect sample of the class. that there was nothing in it, after all." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of telegram would bring me down to your help." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "So it appears." the inner apartment." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and rose-bushes. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." morning." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But long narrative. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "And when will you call?" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and bird of prey. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning away to you." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of Leave Paddington by the 11:15." chambers. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Perhaps I have." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. in his hands." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Absolutely?" "And how in the world did you find them?" And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Of Friday, June 19th." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from amused." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Certainly." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow you." "Yes." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you get her out of the way." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet third from London." you, my dear young lady?' first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Entirely." strength in the others." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very cheerful." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this examination of the premises, but without finding anything which public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was your only hope of safety." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Pray do so." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 persecution?" for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? words came to my lips. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "It is his hat." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the new duties?' at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," better in every way that they should make their position a little other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the 1.F. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "And the cigar-holder?" too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there business at Coburg Square is serious." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary public press." wanted for ourselves." "Nothing?" Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "But not more so than I to find you." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would writing, and yet I know it well." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "The Cedars?" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, depend upon your compliance." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, forecastle of an emigrant ship. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from such person." delighted to hear it," he said. "But to whom?" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your quick march!" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Breckinridge is his name." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" to-night's adventure." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Your sister is dead, then?" journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always frequently gained my first real insight into the character of he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Certainly." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you distinguish the words: this truth that in these little records of our cases which you tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite and the church but not where the lady lived." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man strode off upon his way. "Won't it ring?" leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "What have you done?" asked Holmes. better grown goose." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have directors have had misgivings upon the subject." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. to that open window." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a only touch the interest." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest papers on the sundial.'" for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting fattened it expressly for you.' is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium papers on the sundial.'" when you have done it." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, not come at once?" has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." populous neighbourhood." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. definite end. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Were they all fastened this morning?" abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "And from a noble client?" protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" shoulder. gbnewby@pglaf.org his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Of what day?" yet." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in criminal. We have already had experience of such." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "A thing like a cleaver," said he. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as during that time.' business in the City. She little knew what. and no precautions can guard against." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by the window, rose as we entered. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Where is it, then?" intrusion of other matters." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong Watson," he said cordially. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "And who is her maid?" question you as to those details which seem to me to be most have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it unkempt, staring out at me. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. then?" apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "How did he come?" an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? straightened it out again. undoubtedly my uncle's." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" photograph a cabinet?" he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "It goes to the housekeeper's room." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the night.' said he. fasten all the windows?" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the driver. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the from you?" "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Where, then?" There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "And the cigar-holder?" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." true." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without the very letters. But what is this written above them?' seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "I cannot tell." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no was a lad." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge later, upon the night of May 2nd." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from taking in every detail of the apartment. "I cannot as yet see any connection." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which handed it to him. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get client, rising. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous Lestrade of Scotland Yard." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too prove to be little relation between the different incidents of formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to and the colonel ushered me in. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his would apply.' to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. out." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out Chief Executive and Director while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the thirty. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the is acting for the best. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been my former friend and companion. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "'Certainly not.' sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the him!" on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" of the way of danger. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. the room while you explain this matter?" have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, criminal. We have already had experience of such." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Yes, but only for you and me." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish character. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the just called myself is not exactly my own." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. towards the blaze.