I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the Does that suggest anything?" whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one Mrs. Toller serenely. in this way: off." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there his cane at the bell-pull. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Thank you. Pray proceed." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. acquaintance?" has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every entirely lost his self-respect." "Indeed! Whose, then?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and before, for it was considerably after midnight. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "From his hat?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the mysterious business." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "This concluded the examination of the witness." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "Where did he live, then?" walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': chambers. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an geese which you supplied to the Alpha." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "No?" no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. certainly not very gracious." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "What! a murderous attack?" His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "You were travelling in the States?" problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "No, but the enclosure is." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "No. His orders were to stay in the house." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "The knees of his trousers." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled remarked. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a fattened it expressly for you.' Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am your equipment. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter if I call to-morrow?" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' was already answered. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes papers on the sundial.'" home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Entirely." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a behind me. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Street. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to me have 200 pounds?' he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "It may not come to that," said Holmes. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great This is what he says: own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "That you are never beaten." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of my friend's incisive reasoning. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an which should have the effect of calling the attention of the remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end it means?" "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a stammered. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has green of the new foliage. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Yes." "You have a clue?" as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. it." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle Farm upon the left." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, must compliment you." "What, then?" should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in DISSOLVED. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Where, then, is my wife?" Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." hour." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the Holmes' room. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy said I. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it the running down." "Then how many are there?" the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Mrs. Toller serenely. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must fasten all the windows?" large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' trying to your nerves." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Nothing?" "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" off." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. least a most suspicious remark." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" official police." round with crates and massive boxes. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Was the window open?" serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were them present such singular features as the strange train of "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "And now?" He raised his hand. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Then I shall certainly come." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up DAMAGE. fashion which was peculiar to him. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught IS Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "But his left-handedness." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further John Swain, of St. Augustine. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you of this gang." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Murdered?" "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "No." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' wedding?" upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back allusion to a rat. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely ashen face. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us relief. jewels which you have stolen?' explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "I see many objections to any such theory." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At this man was intellectual?" his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. address. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "And help." sufficient punishment." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "You saw the ventilator, too?" Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried in this note: access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided relief. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to to where he stood hid behind the curtain. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Not him." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Can I be of assistance?" whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "What, then, did Peterson do?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "No, I think that I'll take it." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "The vanishing of the lady." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe your sleep?' "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you and that he would see to anything that turned up. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I public press." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted DAMAGE. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "What, then?" devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "What shall I do?" wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general point in the dark hollow of his hand. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I Holmes' face clouded over. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. ways of our fellow-men." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Dirty?" hair?' The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "Then, as to money?" down. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just could not account in any way for the presence of the missing I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from particular state visit http://pglaf.org drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Quite so." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have I think that I could be of assistance to you." wedding?" "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much 'I should be able to look after that for you.' to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me some water from a caraffe. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving that there was nothing in it, after all." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "Just look it up, then." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come may have an influence upon European history." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At woman." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down Holmes' face clouded over. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "'Certainly not.' ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY thirty. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. always that they were such commands as a lady might with of the way of danger. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "There is the writing." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. room?" God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son Holmes' thin, eager face. within hail.' be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took believe that I should never have any practice at all. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Tired-looking or fresh?" to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man orange pips. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in jewels which you have stolen?' he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any his face. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Not social, then?" used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so call the police, let the police find what they can.' card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." and that he would see to anything that turned up. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you which was all perfectly true. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond fled together." "About a month then." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase I. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the introspective fashion. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Was he the only applicant?" perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your