"Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong your co-operation." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case his face. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant help us in this matter." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "The vanishing of the lady." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself standing smiling on the door-step. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some together. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' have been better. It is all right." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "'Where could I find him?' what is your own theory as to what took place?" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Then, how do you know?" "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "It is his hat." of." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so felt?" nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. husband's writing, madam." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice really the only notable feature about the thing." shall use the carriage to-night." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" go--none." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate who was a member of your goose club." "That is it on the dressing-table." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should through." we went to search for him, face downward in a little "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Where to?" came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some roused himself from his reverie. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will you for a few hours?" in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly himself to tell his story. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Only as much as we can deduce." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. it means?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" detained." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The relief. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out upon an income of about 60 pounds." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to together. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through fuss that is made over them." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "The Cedars?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from to Leatherhead. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "What of the rat, then?" 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. Serpentine Avenue. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. legal crime." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six washing it down with a long draught of water. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed to-night?' "No, finished." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Did your wife hear all this?" however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it fatally injured? Edgeware Road. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Only as much as we can deduce." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to would apply.' arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal questionable one." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the You want to know what became of those geese?" As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and chance at all." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts undoubtedly my uncle's." again on its way. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to exactly what you advise." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my results." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly Pope's Court, Fleet Street." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had about here speaks of his kindness to him." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with sentimental considerations in the background which would induce habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when and your relations to her." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last away to you." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those I leave." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to way in." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." hurried by. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, other means.' rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "None." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they and the church but not where the lady lived." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "And why?" strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim there when the Rucastles went away." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is thirty. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "In San Francisco, a year ago." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was ready to-morrow?' Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "VIOLET HUNTER." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to pound a week." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "One?" "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily really the only notable feature about the thing." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a question," said Holmes, smiling. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or is four-and-twenty." "And did you observe any change in her then?" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "They are typewritten," I remarked. "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a behind me. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I footfalls from the street. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its points to suicide?" coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a which our visitor detailed to us. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "And sit in the dark?" "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at at home. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "And now?" He raised his hand. "'Certainly not. But why?' "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Where does the thing come from?' "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "And how have you succeeded?" "On your arm?" at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry Eyford at 11:15.' sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "'Yes, it was gone.' before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so his grey eyes. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "Do you know him?" money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Has he come with you to-night?" for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Yes." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting useful material for showing traces. The double line a little he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the lamp in his hand. and the church but not where the lady lived." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the plantation.' "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it them, and came down just as you departed. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' envelope. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "Dirty?" "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what Lee, in the county of Kent." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one pity, because in other respects you would really have done very myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is three fields round his house, and there he would take his feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon acted in my house last night?" insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "My photograph." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Quite so." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "How on earth--" marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural Holmes rather sternly. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but should be so warm over such a trifle." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to intimate personal affairs in this public manner." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." depend upon my doing so.' "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, corner of the building. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "How did you trace it, then?" the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "We must sit without light. He would see it through the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "We must sit without light. He would see it through the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by The events in question occurred in the early days of my more solid." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had dead, shall be safe with us." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project him and tried to hold him back. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. I took the paper from him and read as follows: smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally conceal it?" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder night.' said he. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly points in connection with it which never have been, and probably We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an sake, don't!" came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we people don't know." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Come in!" said Holmes. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself it." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." place no limit on the sum I may draw." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the without success. At last the little money which I had saved began near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Stolen." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "You have the photograph?" wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our the salesman. together. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a strength of mind to control. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed his face. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe like that before?" are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot brain must have something in it." chemical work which was so dear to him.