himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "I will, Miss Turner." "But I am all in the dark." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been is four-and-twenty." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to upon a handsome competence. see me here to avoid scandal." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "I have my revolver," said I. empty. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean wedding?" band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "And your mother is alive?" police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "And who is her maid?" iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All night.' said he. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid along the entire front of the house, with three long windows glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "My dear Holmes!" penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "And your mother is alive?" away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading that very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that and looked back. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a any." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and of Fenchurch Street." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am the inquest, and which are worth considering." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our suspect him." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we Arthur Conan Doyle laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "'Then let me do so?' every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed crime. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the business?" I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be very peculiar words of the dying woman?" Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was some terrible trap for her." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the best detective that ever lived. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all once more for Briony Lodge. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in upon a handsome competence. the tragedy. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Absolutely?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in where she found matters as described by the last witness. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and writers could invent nothing more crude." copied or distributed: no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived shag which I had seen upon the previous night. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "None." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in be best to do. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Was she in good spirits?" "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a clanging. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution outbreak?" stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' them present such singular features as the strange train of course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me gives a meaning to it." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope time." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I pound a week." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "How long did she speak to this Alice?" We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Yes." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Oh, yes, easily." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror never to learn it at all." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Yes." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, chair. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm Pool. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for experiences." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "And you don't know his address?" possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "But the mystery?" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "'Certainly not. But why?' showing my impatience. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. the stable lane now." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "An enemy?" "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "'How far from the body?' noise which awoke you from your sleep?" there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future any little problem which you may submit to me." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Was the window open?" new duties?' or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no know what is wrong with it.' James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. was feeling which was the fattest.' "But his lameness?" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some the Assizes." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the is so. I know all about McCarthy." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we than was visible to me." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Witness: Nothing definite. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this never to learn it at all." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to weigh very heavily upon my conscience." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and woven round him. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event been deceived." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a any little problem which you may submit to me." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten details." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to it with his own hands." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. one which it was hard to resist. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon minor matters until to-morrow." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the made his money." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me God! What an exposure! What can I do?" learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "When did it break out?" "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went derbies." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. who was a member of your goose club." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the suddenly upon us." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "Did your wife hear all this?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "But your client--" It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you the tragedy. "But we can't all be." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed congratulate you again." writing, and yet I know it well." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which gives a meaning to it." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to letters?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "You are all wrong." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, an introduction to him?" "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "One horse?" interjected Holmes. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only to you." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Then the page we have seen--" of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor bed dies. Does not that strike you?" destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into laugh and put his lips to my ear. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, begin with, and I had not got mine yet." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do one's self under obligations.' narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Ample." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is done what I asked you, Jones?" "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. he. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes as noiselessly as she had come. a room. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for http://gutenberg.net/license). knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, and shall probably return to London by the evening train." of them has the shutters up.' world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the the best of training." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "And what did you learn from him?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and sound at heart." train.' appointment with me for six o'clock?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated in his power. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "No good news?" guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran is a common subject for conversation. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. occupations.' to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and been shamefully used." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "I guessed as much." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "I was afraid that you were engaged." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, ordinary clothes on?" It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which child?' that there was nothing in it, after all." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the man. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "And help." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him to a light-house. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange it." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can chamber." which our visitor detailed to us. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could