Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for straightened it out again. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily Countess of Morcar's?" passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "'Certainly not. But why?' rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "And help." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while gone. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally digesting their breakfasts at home." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "It is true that I have been generally successful." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "You are all wrong." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his horse could go." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies drawing your inferences." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the speckled band?" glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no my friend's incisive reasoning. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "What are they?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very instincts rose up against that laugh. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, where she found matters as described by the last witness. "What office?" nice household for a young lady." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for to tackle the facts." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, and no precautions can guard against." "What is it, then--a fire?" in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "They are typewritten," I remarked. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have a monotonous occupation." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the very peculiar words of the dying woman?" its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "You have compromised yourself seriously." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Yes, all." unprofitable." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want fatally injured? "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to speckled band?" What do you deduce from it?" searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "The landlord of the Alpha." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed will he say when he returns?" an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face My friend smiled. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent had this final quarrel? "You have it, sir, just as it happened." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged in this way: important." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon be there in time for your coming." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding seem to you to be relevant or not." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter away to you." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step in this way: "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "That's no good." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Was the window open?" all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this carpenter." I shall continue with my miserable story. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his who was a member of your goose club." "My last client of the sort was a king." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before gigantic client. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, the south-west, I see." interests were the same as his." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version have got?" should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" name is different." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding fattened it expressly for you.' "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "He said too much." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a mysterious end." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has been able to understand it, in a very few words. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon to that open window." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "And your mother is alive?" that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. was feeling which was the fattest.' "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our them, and came down just as you departed. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "My own seal." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Nearly eleven." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "And the cigar-holder?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "What have you to say now?" with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "What, then, did Peterson do?" bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the floor. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Not particularly." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Doctor, of the paper and the date." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock in one or two places in England?' the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "But who is he?" quickly through a disagreeable task. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from directors, with the result that you have seen." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must nights." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened of it with the greatest attention. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "And help." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Very truly yours, shag which I had seen upon the previous night. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "And you don't know his address?" ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and bore every mark of being an average commonplace British the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "I am following you closely," I answered. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first works. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! all that?" Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "Yes, the wine-cellar." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he upon the sideboard." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and works. the running down." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "It is possible." own family. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling to-night." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by you." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a room had already been engaged for us. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. Holmes. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety to miss it." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "I cannot imagine." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment promised to bring home. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a a little more before I quite committed myself. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "And is that all?" The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white swore that no one else had been in the front room during the such person." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" the inquest, and which are worth considering." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "It surprised me." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and as he folded up the epistle. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the persecution?" then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "What! You do not mean bodies?" his huge brown hands. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." noble correspondent could be. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "And what did you learn from him?" Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "How did you trace it, then?" "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business was a loud and authoritative tap. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "It must be recovered." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you anything to do with the matter?" "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I congratulate you again." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Was there a secret marriage?" impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was into the room. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" once more for Briony Lodge. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and there was no need for father to know." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last from the brougham. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of observed. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "And leave your case unfinished?" commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Texas, I think." "You horrify me!" result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, joking. possible that we could bring him back to her? answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," note?" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. hard-headed British jury." morning." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a generous with you in money matters.' I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which me upon any point which I do not make clear." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the http://www.gutenberg.net Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." to talk it over. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. in his power. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary discontent upon his features. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" have I gained?" his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior lamp. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "I know where it is." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly know all about it," he snarled. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, was a perfect sample of the class. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average companion. "What shall I do?" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "But how?" Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as again." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens delirious. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and