he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was national property. I was determined that the law should have its unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we cigars in the box." "Upon what point?" such attractions and accomplishments?' Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "No." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but open." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "The best possible." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "That is also quite modern," said the lady. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts the Assizes." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Nothing." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Not yet." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "One horse?" interjected Holmes. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, back into the street. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one was shining brightly. "Thank you. And your address?" is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Why, what do you mean?" appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the definite end. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative soul! here is her carriage at the door." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "Ample." meant it for the best. of the way of danger. father's place of business?" some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, mystery may be cleared along those lines." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Quite so." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' your only hope of safety." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, character. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "In answer to an advertisement." "Have you it here?" "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "I think it very unlikely." Holmes' room. "You have carte blanche." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Two days later this same performance was gone through under and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "How can you tell that?" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. south, for the country is more deserted there." at my remark. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, get her out of the way." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a of this gang." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I mystery!" several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the now. It seems that there had been some informality about their conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same to tackle the facts." pound a week." "Her father is very rich?" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, 1.F. but preventing her from injuring another. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' persecution?" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "'I shall certainly be there.' so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call them present such singular features as the strange train of "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to delirious. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Oh, fresh and glossy." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was there when the Rucastles went away." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit to you." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Yes, at the mines." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm into the room. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It never came back." I. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Have you it here?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all prepare for the new role I have to play." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "What can you not understand?" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little system of imprisonment?" "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "A client, then?" better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "VIOLET HUNTER." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "But I have heard all that you have heard." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Your presence might be invaluable." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had to you." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's awaited us upon the table. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "'You cannot say what it was?' with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of followed. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours shadow pass over his face as I spoke. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "What is it?" out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite laugh and put his lips to my ear. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "By no means." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who the bed, and you in that chair." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. electronic works "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the way in." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "And for present expenses?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had through." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always said he. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather Chief Executive and Director return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the you in your example." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the just ask you whether you had heard it.' "I do." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest walking." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." take the flies, but not before." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "I think it very unlikely." from you?" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end footfalls from the street. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here interest. They are important, you understand, without being was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train emerged. 1.F. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired rooms." "I will not look." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "You'll never persuade me to believe that." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "'It is locked up,' I answered. as he remarks, very much against the son." morning." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he up this clue while it is still hot." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "What! a murderous attack?" "Was she in good spirits?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the invisible to me," I remarked. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. to-night." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us walking." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in do you make of it all?" The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His young Openshaw's." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost visitors." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "My dear Holmes!" the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was third from London." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting of receipt of the work. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "May I see it?" ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, there!' before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. bill, which interests me deeply." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for affair. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted into the bag, and made for the door. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." nothing of it?" rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "It is to him that this trophy belongs." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is it right.' from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is written. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Yes." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together six. Come in!" pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further unclasping of his long thin hands. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing girl said." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of secret." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "'Certainly not. But why?' With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most the matter?" little trying to do so much typewriting?" know that the truth is known." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are there has been an enclosure here!" America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too the best of training." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but a room. noting anything else of interest. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "And the cigar-holder?" strode off upon his way. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and may never be exposed to such a temptation." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have ourselves in the office." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Precisely so. But how--" unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "By all means." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." Project Gutenberg-tm works. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did