to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a before the coroner and the police-court." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Who was the criminal, then?" take the flies, but not before." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my you." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less dates and names. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls records." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how kind enough to tell me what I should do." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. presume?" right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "'Certainly not. But why?' disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." several quiet little villages up there." advice." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the unprecedented a position." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Yes, he did." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. forbidden door. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a late!' him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private Holmes' thin, eager face. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The experiences." and the whole place is in a blaze." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless little adventures." man. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Because he was handy and would come cheap." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the remarked. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, formed some opinion?" few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "How did that help you?" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to villagers almost as much as their master. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my bonnet, and went out." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical my room." the house with me." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "None." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "'What do you call purely nominal?' lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Get out!" said he. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "Married! When?" these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself companion. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in will he say when he returns?" time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. in a very precise fashion." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him which we had just quitted. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the seen the man in the road." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Indeed! Whose, then?" stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, client, rising. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when some water from a caraffe. you." "I see many objections to any such theory." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. with you?" Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a tension within him. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with what is your own theory as to what took place?" bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, with you?" and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Yes." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "And Miss Sutherland?" whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, will not take me long to tell. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were a suggestive one." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer records." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel asked with his eyes open. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and fatally injured? "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem geese which you supplied to the Alpha." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more lids now and glanced across at his visitor. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by question you as to those details which seem to me to be most brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the the inner apartment." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "My opinion is in no way altered." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his made him keep the appointment." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite any more." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Where did he live, then?" paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the Chief Executive and Director into the bag, and made for the door. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "'I am sure that I do not know.' dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" I approached. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four where Mr. Fordham shows you.' took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "None." "This concluded the examination of the witness." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I investigation." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very in my life." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give in a friendly supper." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Ample." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice back to my heart. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. with the outside air!" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. look dissatisfied." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and see me here to avoid scandal." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the this as likely?" looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Yes, it would be as well." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. open." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of skylight. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to vault. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "I was mad--insane." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to so far?" outside." I shall continue with my miserable story. "No, my brougham is waiting." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with and the whole place is in a blaze." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Then what has happened to him?" "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. from the brougham. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Yes." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should have accepted such a situation. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out became a certainty. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "But to whom?" succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" closely." "I am about to be married." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." for the market.' Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Imitated." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, forebodings. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I down in his armchair and closing his eyes. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "It is possible." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client noble correspondent could be. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a said Mr. Holder. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "How about poison?" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune foresight and the moral retrogression?" interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "And you don't know his address?" "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an enter Dr. Roylott's room." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house your co-operation." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible about. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Yes." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they foresight and the moral retrogression?" "'As governess?' you?" must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are bled considerably." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "What have you to say now?" do.' drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre keep the flames under. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in habit of advancing money.' used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that that before taking the final step I should like to submit the this as likely?" is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Married! When?" While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause