the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and problems help me to do so." you do it in twenty minutes!' States. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that brought there to personate someone, and the real person is stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at Foundation daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive more solid." "Nothing." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she at home. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "But she will refuse." "Absolutely?" strode off upon his way. "What!" he roared. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to him, that man would not have given me such complete information Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way man. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not name is different." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my lost his Christmas dinner." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as long narrative. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "What shall I do?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a ago." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a his eyes and forehead. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. young Openshaw's." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside of campaign. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have chance at all." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "My dear Holmes!" pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then 'please.'" Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming highly," said Holmes. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow outside." Munro.' finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly visitors." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who the stable lane now." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I was a loud and authoritative tap. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, now. It seems that there had been some informality about their station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. My friend smiled. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She tied." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the locked. memory. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Well, but China?" "Always." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my her also." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." must compliment you." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing as he remarks, very much against the son." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Will you bet, then?" branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may once more to my work. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is good-night and bustled off upon her way. nonsense.' particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful guilty one." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" October 9, 1890. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." hardly wander." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average bachelor.' face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here nonsense.' signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I fear." if only as a check to my own memory." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your will take you up to see the machine.' believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of is a common subject for conversation. "And what did you see?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and very old mansion. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "My dear Holmes!" "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Where does the thing come from?' "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "And help." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "I am all attention, madam." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "A client, then?" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a for the market.' the King without delay." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Here?" and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled possible that we could bring him back to her? "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "I see many objections to any such theory." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but daring than any effort of the imagination." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is thought that she would have been so carried away." digesting their breakfasts at home." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as throat." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, lost his Christmas dinner." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "'And what salary do you ask?' and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished I leave." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "Your sister is dead, then?" I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as amused." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could and it need not interfere very much with one's other unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "No, but the enclosure is." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very felt?" "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be developed." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and mysterious business." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "I will not look." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Come in!" said Holmes. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? gives a meaning to it." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "In heaven's name, what for?" astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Perhaps I have." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the been deceived." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "She showed me, as I told you she would." will he say when he returns?" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a might have a private word with us. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your to tackle the facts." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "No." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "How did you deduce the select?" America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & at my remark. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it away into the river." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" Miss Holder?" resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "'I shall certainly be there.' "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "It is possible." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "I cannot tell." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of jewels which you have stolen?' bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "So it appears." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern begin with, and I had not got mine yet." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you with frightened eyes at his accuser. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "None. Neville wrote those words." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "My private note-paper." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few hand, madam?" and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely envelope. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into keep the flames under. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a future lives." go from here to the Strand." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Game for a morning drive?" black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent lamp. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely sparkled upon his finger. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a brain must have something in it." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my