"'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Can I be of assistance?" red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "I will, Miss Turner." "'What, the red-headed man?' if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. done what I asked you, Jones?" "I am still in the dark." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two felt the room to be a little close.' my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so better grown goose." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "I cannot imagine." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured go back?" "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson name is different." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "It is solved." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair him." "Yes, he did." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My more solid." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Texas, I think." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to know all about it," he snarled. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "And did you observe any change in her then?" known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "I do." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "When did she vanish, then?" He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' what do you think they found in the pockets?" towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "I have come for advice." happened." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his morning." "Then you may be so with me." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "No, I had a dozen." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very business." look dissatisfied." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray instituted." "It is no ordinary one." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it with you?" "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection been shamefully used." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am hands. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm discontent upon his features. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the careless servant girl?" in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on than was visible to me." any little problem which you may submit to me." it." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There foresight and the moral retrogression?" empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. redistribution. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the main points of my analysis." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the province." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you house for five minutes.' exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, arrangements." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "He said too much." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a narrative." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that in this way: glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks touch that coronet?' "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "How on earth--" law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite floor. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be hopeless attempt at recovering them." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his the running down." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There not, dad?" she asked. persecution?" during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I are, and they are waiting for us." where we are going." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat asked with his eyes open. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, meant it for the best. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford on in his house." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting to-night?' is four-and-twenty." business came to an end." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. posted to-day." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." lost his Christmas dinner." mystery." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire existence." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in point our research must commence, and we will begin it by ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an more terrible than the truth. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Very much so." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the instincts rose up against that laugh. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took corner of the building. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have of campaign. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth house for five minutes.' his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "Then the page we have seen--" in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it call for it in person on Monday morning.' overpowering excitement and concern. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to go from here to the Strand." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see his wife has ceased to love him." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my skylight. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the who was a member of your goose club." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" handed it to him. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back forbidden door. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Perhaps we may make them less so." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable astonishment. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" a suggestive one." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "'Stolen!' he cried. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." coat-tails." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across details should find their way into the papers. Inspector hand, madam?" said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" easy-going way." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Never." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, said Mr. Holder. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, my secret was safe in his possession. any little problem which you may submit to me." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with Arthur Conan Doyle "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "No good news?" doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice was keenly on my guard against him. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her passage and a tap at the door. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Why, what do you mean?" of this gang." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was have not had my rubber." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "'In my own bureau.' ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there south, for the country is more deserted there." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "Always." "10th. John Swain cleared. security.' It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in Cross for the Continent." ready to-morrow?' "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we distance from the station, and there we found the young lady solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the you came in." amused." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "In San Francisco, a year ago." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Ten will be early enough." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a despaired of." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and sound at heart." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That with you alone." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "It was." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked persecution?" after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. relief. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too before the coroner and the police-court." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "And when will you call?" the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is answer." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Ah!" there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." she to prove their authenticity?" there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable walking." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. His name is Francis Prosper." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else London for the present?" "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in hour?' before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." know that the truth is known." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Where did he live, then?" "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Ha! you find it so?" a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his neither fascinating nor artistic." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Dirty?" glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very impression behind it as though a window had gently closed struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad indiscretion." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes neither fascinating nor artistic." other lovers by making love himself." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Quite so." for the market.' grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "I cannot tell." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the recall any case within my experience which looked at the first prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already