threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "And what did you see?" what these perils are?" seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was 1.E.9. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest test if we have an answer to our advertisement." my room." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. the address that was given us in the advertisement. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a The telegram which we eventually received came late one night matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland there was no need for father to know." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If the south-west, I see." that he has suffered." stammered. unprecedented a position." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. followed. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "And now?" I asked. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk are windows in it, of course?" "'I am sure that I do not know.' settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "It missed him, then?" assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "You have it, sir, just as it happened." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him now. It seems that there had been some informality about their waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "'What, the red-headed man?' suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "But you have hopes?" "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in events than those which have happened in my own family." them present such singular features as the strange train of headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the salesman. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and what I may call a really hard day's work." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "I have solved it." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his minor matters until to-morrow." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "'There is a drive, then?' Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves over with notes and figures. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa matter over." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "Can I be of assistance?" that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and as he folded up the epistle. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the the matter." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Now, then, what's the last entry?" light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down wedding?" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son who was a member of your goose club." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Will you bet, then?" "The gentleman I describe." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is the warnings." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "It is his hat." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "Always." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you true." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the which our visitor detailed to us. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "In San Francisco, a year ago." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "That also I could fathom." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Holmes. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, enough to aid us in our search." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography other lovers by making love himself." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "I will try. What is it?" American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found what these perils are?" contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away ventilator." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I developed." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The the little opening for the ventilator is." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "A thing like a cleaver," said he. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted which should have the effect of calling the attention of the Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my too. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "When did she vanish, then?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. tell me that you intended to go into harness." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never them?" relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and the dangers which encompass me." "Yes." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were Henry Baker is a member." "Married! When?" with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Not social, then?" glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider then?" before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at look dissatisfied." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "How did you deduce the select?" "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. when your master had gone out." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Where to?" rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got suddenly upon us." long narrative. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the second." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure American. Then who could this American be, and why should he the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who cause to be." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "That is it on the dressing-table." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is people don't know." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "You did not overhear what they said?" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "I don't believe it." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "By train from Waterloo." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." friends, not even his own brother. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where at home. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a made him keep the appointment." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address Holmes rather sternly. again." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was it." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! possible that we could bring him back to her? to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more becomes even more simple." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "And now?" I asked. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up in. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his and that he would see to anything that turned up. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. suddenly upon us." "About a month then." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. up this clue while it is still hot." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his fact, we may call it conclusive." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would him and tried to hold him back. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some colour had been driven from his face. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Never." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "There are none." orange pips. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Yes." "Certainly, madam." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in Munro.' "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the served to weaken the effect. about. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "On the contrary, this is the right side." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary the station." I held the little printed slip to the light. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? over here." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to Heh?' the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with leaning back in his chair. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never returning from some small jollification and was making his way rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is them present such singular features as the strange train of of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "Precisely." infinite languor in his face. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my go back?" my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute unprofitable." some terrible trap for her." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "By train from Waterloo." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife what do you think they found in the pockets?" lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no be.' stepfather?" do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, said he at last. present." were new raised from a basin. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Very truly yours, outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for brain must have something in it." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "At half-wages, in fact." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." heavy and sharp instrument." room had already been engaged for us. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so disappearance of these gems?" "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the he bowed and left the room without another word. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed points to suicide?" "And it is--" "Well, but China?" her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman minor matters until to-morrow." "'Yes, sir.' not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Really! You surprise me." remarked. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "And how did you find out?" since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for